Ann arbor, me., June 17, 2025
Michigan Rowers Earn Scholar-Athlete Honors
Eleven University of Michigan rowing student-athletes were recognized for their academic achievements by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association.
- Eleven Wolverines earned the prestigious CRCA Scholar-Athlete award.
- The award recognizes academic excellence alongside athletic performance.
- Leia Till earned the honor for the fifth time in her career.
Following a successful 2025 season, the university of Michigan rowing program celebrated it’s student-athletes. On Tuesday, June 17, the collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) honored eleven Wolverines as Scholar-Athletes. These athletes balanced rigorous academics with demanding training schedules, demonstrating the values of a true student-athlete.
Did you know?-The Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) not onyl recognizes scholar-athletes but also provides resources adn support for rowing programs across the contry.
The honored athletes include: Autumn Crowe (movement science), Katie Easton (public health), Gretel Ham (political science), Grace Hammis (English), Isabela Pimentel (business management), Gracie Landefeld (industrial and operations engineering), Madeleine Lauriault (political science and economics), Amy Newton (undeclared), Logan Roeder (psychology), Carla russell (applied exercise science), and Leia Till (movement science).
Reader question:-Beyond GPA and boat placement, what other qualities do you think contribute to a student-athlete’s success in balancing academics and athletics?
What are the requirements for the CRCA Scholar-Athlete award? To receive the CRCA Scholar-Athlete distinction, a student-athlete must meet specific criteria. They must be in their second, third, or fourth year of eligibility, maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher, and compete in a championship boat for a minimum of 75 percent of the spring season. Alternatively, participation in a championship boat during the conference championship weekend also qualifies an athlete.
Leia Till’s remarkable achievement earned her the honor for the fifth time. Easton and Landefeld have each been honored three times, while Lauriault and Roeder have received the award twice.
Beyond the Boat: Unpacking the Qualities of a Scholar-athlete
The achievements of the university of Michigan rowers highlight the demanding balance of academics and athletics. While a high GPA and boat placement are essential for CRCA Scholar-Athlete recognition,as we’ve seen,success requires much more. So, let’s address the reader’s question: Beyond the numbers, what truly contributes to a student-athlete’s success?
Several key qualities distinguish successful student-athletes. These individuals develop a unique blend of skills to manage their time, handle pressure, and maintain their well-being. They also require ample institutional support to navigate their dual roles effectively.
consider Leia Till, the five-time CRCA Scholar-athlete. What allows her to consistently achieve such accolades year after year? It’s not just talent; it’s a holistic approach.
Key Qualities for Scholar-Athlete Success
Here are some of the crucial qualities that contribute to the success, not just of the Michigan rowers, but of all student-athletes:
- Time Management and Association: Student-athletes must master the art of time management. They balance demanding training schedules, classes, study sessions, and often, other commitments. Creating detailed schedules and sticking to routines is crucial.
- Discipline and Self-Motivation: Success requires unwavering discipline and self-motivation. Athletes can’t rely on external forces to keep them on track.They must be intrinsically driven to excel in both their sport and their studies.
- Resilience and Perseverance: Setbacks are inevitable, whether in the classroom or on the water. Resilience is key to bouncing back from failures. Perseverance is the ability to keep going when things get tough.
- Effective Communication: Good communication skills are essential. Student-athletes need to communicate clearly with coaches, professors, and peers about their needs, challenges, and aspirations.
- Seeking Support: No one succeeds alone. Student-athletes should cultivate a strong support network, including academic advisors, coaches, teammates, and family members.
- Focus and Concentration: The ability to focus in the midst of pressure is essential for excelling academically and athletically. Athletes must be able to concentrate on the task at hand, whether it’s taking a test, or competing in a race against the strongest teams in the nation.
How do universities support their student-athletes? Universities play a vital role in supporting scholar-athletes. Several institutions provide academic advising, tutoring services, and dedicated study spaces.
We know that the average cumulative GPA of the CRCA award winners is 3.75 or higher [[1]]. Georgetown University’s rowing team has an remarkable average GPA of above 3.75 [[2]].
What are some practical tips for balancing academics and athletics? Prioritize your schedule, break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Utilize campus resources like tutoring, academic advising, and counseling services.
For example, Autumn Crowe, one of the U of M honorees, has a degree in movement science, which likely demands a lot of her time for practical submission, in addition to theoretical knowledge. The same is true for those in the fields of public health, business management, engineering, and applied exercise science. Despite these time constraints,they’ve managed to maintain a well-rounded academic and athletic life.
Ultimately, balancing academics and athletics is a complex undertaking, demanding a high degree of self-awareness, discipline, and support. The scholar-athletes like those at the University of Michigan, demonstrate that with the right approach, it is possible to excel in both realms.
What advice would you give an aspiring scholar-athlete?
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