Wisconsin women's openweight rowing inks three
November 23, 2010 | Women's Rowing
Nov. 23, 2010
MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin women's openweight rowing head coach Bebe Bryans announced the signing of three student-athletes to national letters of intent. All three are expected to compete for Wisconsin in the fall of 2011.
The three new signees include Sophie Heywood (Tempe, Ariz.), Anne Rauschert (Beaver Dam, Wis.) and Kaitlyn Muench (Park Ridge, Ill.).
Sophie Heywood
Sophie Heywood, a Tempe, Ariz., native, comes to Wisconsin with quite the resume. She won a gold medal in the women's single sculls, women's double sculls and the women's four at the 2010 Brentwood Regatta, an international regatta in Canada. Heywood also raced in the women's quad at Junior World Championships this past summer, placing fifth.
"This demonstrates not only good small boat skill, but just as important, good chemistry with teammates," explained assistant coach Karen Rigsby of Heywood's accomplishments. "We are excited about Sophie's leadership qualities and her personal goals of competing on a national/Olympic team.
"With goals like that, she will be able to lift the competitive spirit and raise the expectations of our team next year."
 Anne Rauschert  | |
Anne Rauschert, a Beaver Dam, Wis., native, has been scouted by the Wisconsin's coaching staff for quite some time.
"Anne Rauschert impressed us immediately at a single day rowing camp last February," explained Rigsby. "She returned for a week long camp this summer, and we've had our eye on her ever since."
"What impressed us about Anne was her coach-ability, her natural sense for the mechanics of the sport, and her character."
Not only does Rauschert excel in rowing, she also possesses natural athletic ability in other sports. Rauschert earned first team all-conference accolades in basketball and volleyball, and also received five Most Valuable Player awards for her track team at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
"We know she will be an immediate contributor to our squad next year, and we expect that she will surprise even herself with what she helps Wisconsin accomplish in the next four years," Rigsby concluded.
Kaitlyn Muench
 Katie Muench | |
"She possessed a great level of fitness and drive to our team," said Rigsby. "Katie's erg scores are also strong, and we expect her to come into her freshman year being a physical leader.
"She has a no-nonsense, 'get it done' type work ethic, and at Wisconsin, we LOVE that!"
Coming from Loyola Academy, Muench is a sought-after athlete. During her time at Loyola, she has contributed to Loyola's recent success in the Scholastic Rowing Association Nationals, and is captain of her squad this year. With this experience, it's no wonder Rigsby and fellow assistant coach Megan Cooke Carcagno feels her presence will make a huge impact.
"Muench raced in the top boat at summer camp," said Cooke Carcagno. "Her enthusiasm and natural tendency to pull hard made me notice her right away."
"We believe her work ethic and a drive will bring a national championship within our grasp," Rigsby said.
