STANFORD, Calif. – A perennial power nationally, Stanford lightweight rowing faced a shortened campaign in 2021, where it rowed four times on the season. The season concluded on a high note, as the varsity four claimed the national title at the IRA Championships.
Lightweight rowing was among the 11 programs slated to be in its final season of varsity competition, and was announced to be continued on May 18.
National Champs
Continuing its streak of success on the national stage, Stanford women's rowing won the varsity four at the IRA Championships on Friday, and came second in the double.
In lane three, Stanford got out to an early lead in the varsity four and extended the margin to nine seconds by the time the teams reached the finish line. Stanford stopped the clock to win the race at 8:23.7. The win secured an unbeaten season for Stanford in the varsity four, which also won in its previous two regattas. Lydia Garnett, Martha Yates, Isabella Duan, Johanna Francis and Maddie Lloyd crewed the event for the Cardinal.
The Path to IRAs
Stanford opened its season at Redwood Shores with a pair of wins in the varsity four, and a varsity eight win over San Diego. The Cardinal also competed in the Big Row against Cal's fourth varsity openweight team, which ended in a four second win for Stanford.
The campaign continued with one final tuneup before the IRA Championships, as Stanford faced UC San Diego on May 7. The Cardinal earned open water wins in all three races.
National Recognition
Excelling in the classroom and on the water, the Collegiate Rowing Coaches of America (CRCA) announced five Stanford lightweight rowers have been named National Scholar-Athletes. Isabella Duan, Johanna Francis, Maddie Lloyd, Hillary Umphrey and Martha Yates met the criteria for the honor.
Duan and Francis then were named 2021 Pocock All-America Athletes, as announced by the College Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA). The pair rowed on Stanford's varsity four, helping to guide the Cardinal to a victory at the IRA Championships in May.