MADISON, Wis.—The Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association announced the recipients of its 2016 Scholar Athlete Awards, including three members of the Wisconsin women's rowing team on its list.
Lily Hansen,
Anna Knutson and
Lexi Siverling are among the athletes recognized by the association for their work in the classroom.
All three student-athletes were members of the varsity eight that placed first in all but three of its races prior to the championship season, garnering two Big Ten Boat of the Week accolades. The boat racked up wins over six ranked teams, including a win over No. 2 California at the San Diego Crew Classic. The varsity eight placed third at the 2016 Big Ten Championships, as well as placing ninth at the NCAA Rowing Championships.
Hansen, a sophomore from San Anselmo, California, has coxed the varsity eight for two season, aiding UW to its fastest time of the season to-date for 2000 meters with a first-place finish in 6:08.10 over Minnesota on May 1. Majoring in communicative disorders and linguistics, Hansen is also one of three Badgers invited to the U.S. Women's Under 23 National Team Selection Camp.
Knutson, a Madison native, rowed six seat for the varsity eight this year, having competed last season in the second varsity eight that placed ninth at the NCAA championships. A senior double majoring in communicative disorders and French, Knutson was a member of the Academic All-Big Ten team in 2015.
Siverling, hailing from Cadott, rowed from the five seat in her first season competing with the varsity eight. Last season, she placed second at the Big Ten Championships with the novice eight. A sophomore, Siverling is majoring in biology.
In order to be eligible for the award, athletes must meet all eligibility rules as defined by her institution and be in at least her second year of eligibility. In addition to having a 3.5 or higher grade-point average, she must have rowed in NCAA or IRA eligible boats for a minimum of 75 percent of spring races or raced in a regional conference event. The athletes' head coach must also be a member in good standing of the CRCA.
