Badger Openweights: Head of the Charles 2025 Preview

by mark.thompson business editor
written by mark.thompson business editor

Wisconsin women’s Rowing Team Competes at Head of the Charles Regatta

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A strong showing at the prestigious Head of the Charles regatta highlighted the Wisconsin women’s rowing team’s fall season, with competitive results from both current athletes and decorated alumni.

The Badgers faced a challenging field of competitors on the three-mile course along the Charles River in boston on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025.The Wisconsin women’s championship four finished 13th in its event, clocking a time of 18:12.529. The New York AC team secured frist place with a time of 16:50.690, followed by the University of Virginia (17:14.125) and the University of Pennsylvania (17:26.323).

Did you know? – The head of the Charles Regatta is the world’s largest two-day rowing event, attracting over 11,000 athletes. It’s a significant test for collegiate and elite rowers alike.

Alumnae Powerhouse Makes Waves

Beyond the current team’s performance, Wisconsin rowing alumni demonstrated thier continued excellence. A team comprised of former badgers secured a fourth-place finish in the women’s alumnae eight on Saturday, completing the course in 16:26.648.

This star-studded crew included current Wisconsin Head Coach vicky Opitz, an olympian herself, alongside Yasmin farooq, the current head coach at the University of Washington and also an Olympian, who served as coxswain. The boat also featured Olympians Maddie Wanamaker and Lauren O’Connor. Rounding out the impressive lineup were Allie Lohrenz, Washington’s Head Novice Coach; Lexi Siverling, a former All-American rower; Lisbet Pietz, the 2018 CRCA National Scholar Athlete; and recent graduates Oona Zilavy (’25) and lightweight All-American falcon Jaacks (lightweight, ’24).

Pro tip: – Rowing success relies heavily on synchronization. Teams spend countless hours perfecting their technique to achieve a powerful and efficient stroke.

Wisconsin Lineup Details

The Wisconsin championship four lineup consisted of coxswain emma Hefner,and rowers maddy Stack,Jordan Morrissey,Sophia Gruenling,and Anna Mueller.

Looking Ahead

The Badgers will continue their fall training with a scrimmage against Eastern Michigan University on Saturday,Oct. 25, in Madison.This event will provide a valuable possibility for the team to refine their skills and prepare for the upcoming spring season.

Reader question: – What aspects of training do you think are most crucial for success in a long-distance race like the Head of the Charles?

Financial analyst-turned-journalist. Covers global markets, fintech, and policy. Known for plain-English explainers on complex economics.

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