SETTING THE SCENE
Stanford lightweight rowing opens its 2026-27 campaign with its only regatta of the fall season, competing at the San Diego Fall Classic on Mission Bay in San Diego. The Cardinal will feature two 8+ boats and one 4+.
Sunday, Nov. 8 Schedule
7:45 a.m. - 8+
10:45 a.m. - 4+
2025-26 IN REVIEW
A season’s worth of improving performances reached its peak at the IRA National Championships in Gold River, California, with Stanford finishing fourth as a team and earning the bronze medal in the varsity eight. The fourth-place team finish for the Cardinal was its best since 2024 and its third in the top four of the Commissioner’s Cup standings since its championship in 2019 – the last of five in a row.
Stanford also posted a bronze medal finish at Eastern Sprints, hosted on Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester, Massachusetts, and it posted a home victory over Boston University.
Brooke Ruszkiewicz led the Cardinal on the water, earning a nod to the CRCA/Pocock All-American team. Stanford had 10 players lauded as CRCA Scholar-Athletes at the conclusion of the season.
WELCOME TO STANFORD
Stanford has added seven talented student-athletes in the class of 2026: Fiona Carney Skytt, Maddie Ford, Anna Heflin, Olivia Hooff, Hope Hyde, Sophia Lin and Valentina Marchese.
Additionally, the Cardinal announced Olivia Farrar as the program's assistant coach.
LOOKING AHEAD
The San Diego Fall Classic is the only fall event on the calendar for the Cardinal, which will open the spring slate on March 13 at home against Saint Mary's. Following trips to Tennessee and Princeton, Stanford welcomes Cal for the Big Row to Redwood Shores on April 17. The spring slate concludes with Eastern Sprints on May 2 and the IRA Chamionships from May 28-30.
HOUSTON LEADS THE WAY
Lizzy Houston enters her fourth season at the helm of the Cardinal lights, looking to build on last season's success. Her tenure on the Farm has included a runner-up finish at the 2024 IRA National Championships, including a national title for the Varsity 4+, and a fourth place finish in 2026, led by a bronze medal for the Varsity 8+.