Opitz named USRowing Senior Female Athlete of the Year
October 09, 2018 | Women's Rowing
Middleton native headed to the Golden Oars Gala in November for the official honor
MADISON, Wis. – Every year after the World Rowing Championships, Male and Female Athletes of the Year are announced. This year, former Badger and Middleton native Vicky Opitz was selected by the US athletes and coaches who competed at the 2018 World Rowing Championships as Female Athlete of the Year.
Opitz is the third Badger to receive this award and will add her name next to Mandi Kowal who won it in 1987 and Carol Feeney in 1992.
"I feel incredibly honored," said Opitz to USRowing. "There were so many well-deserving female athletes on the team this year. I feel very honored to be selected among all of these amazing candidates. The team was awesome this year and I'm just happy to have been a part of it."
Opitz was recognized for her part sitting three seat and helping the women's eight reclaim their world title, while also racing in the women's pair that finished in ninth place. By doubling up events, she raced a total amount of five times in seven days. This is all after returning to action after injuries derailed her 2017 season.
When it comes to the world stage, Opitz is now a four-time world champion in the women's eight. She raced in the women's eight from 2013-15 that won three consecutive World Rowing Championships titles, and was a member of the women's eight that set a world record with a time of 5:54.160 at the 2013 World Rowing Cup III that still stands.
She also served as an alternate at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Prior to elite rowing, Opitz came to Wisconsin as a true walk-on in 2006. As a senior, she raced in the varsity eight that went on to help Wisconsin win its first Big Ten rowing championship title and its highest team finish of seventh place at the 2010 NCAA Championships. She was then named 2010 First-Team All-Big and a 2010 Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) Pocock All-American.
Opitz will be honored at the 2018 Golden Oars Gala on Thursday, Nov. 15, at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan (Tickets).
Opitz is the third Badger to receive this award and will add her name next to Mandi Kowal who won it in 1987 and Carol Feeney in 1992.
"I feel incredibly honored," said Opitz to USRowing. "There were so many well-deserving female athletes on the team this year. I feel very honored to be selected among all of these amazing candidates. The team was awesome this year and I'm just happy to have been a part of it."
Opitz was recognized for her part sitting three seat and helping the women's eight reclaim their world title, while also racing in the women's pair that finished in ninth place. By doubling up events, she raced a total amount of five times in seven days. This is all after returning to action after injuries derailed her 2017 season.
When it comes to the world stage, Opitz is now a four-time world champion in the women's eight. She raced in the women's eight from 2013-15 that won three consecutive World Rowing Championships titles, and was a member of the women's eight that set a world record with a time of 5:54.160 at the 2013 World Rowing Cup III that still stands.
She also served as an alternate at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Prior to elite rowing, Opitz came to Wisconsin as a true walk-on in 2006. As a senior, she raced in the varsity eight that went on to help Wisconsin win its first Big Ten rowing championship title and its highest team finish of seventh place at the 2010 NCAA Championships. She was then named 2010 First-Team All-Big and a 2010 Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) Pocock All-American.
Opitz will be honored at the 2018 Golden Oars Gala on Thursday, Nov. 15, at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan (Tickets).
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