Tufts University Women’s Rowing Team Clinches Second Consecutive NCAA Championship
WEST WINDSOR, NJ (May 31, 2025) – In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, the Tufts University women’s rowing team secured their second consecutive NCAA Championship this morning at Lake Mercer. Both the first and second varsity eights showcased dominance throughout their respective races, leading from start to finish.
This year’s achievement surpassed last season’s performance, where Tufts claimed its inaugural national title in Ohio, finishing with a score of 54, courtesy of a first-place victory in the first varsity (1V8) and a second-place finish in the second varsity (2V8). Today, the Jumbos achieved a perfect team score of 56 by winning both events.
Race Highlights
The competition began with the second varsity eight, which rapidly established a commanding lead. They reached the halfway mark nearly five seconds ahead of Williams College and ultimately crossed the finish line with a time of 6:47.335, winning by approximately six seconds. Wesleyan University trailed closely and secured a second place finish with a time of 6:53.129, narrowly edging out Williams.
In the first varsity eight race, both Tufts and Wesleyan started strong, but the Jumbos extended their lead to about a boat length by the 1000-meter mark. While Williams overtook Wesleyan, Tufts maintained their lead and finished with a time of 6:37.686, outpacing Williams, which came in at 6:39.214.
Jumbo Roster
The roster for the victorious squads included:
- 2V8: Coxswain Maddie Rosato, Stroke Julia Zipoli, 7-Janna Moore, 6-Sophia Brackett, 5-Sophia Cumming, 4-Zenani Himlin-Mayekiso, 3-Brooke Thompson, 2-Lecia Sun, Bow Natalie Graham.
- 1V8: Coxswain Hannah Jiang, Stroke Rose Tinkjian, 7-Sami Haynes, 6-Stella Shen, 5-Emma Lyle, 4-Lucy Howell, 3-Reilly Uiterwyk, 2-Josie Monroe, Bow Sydney Barr.
Overall Team Rankings
Following Tufts, Williams College secured the runner-up position with a total score of 49, having finished second in the 1V8 and third in the 2V8. Wesleyan University placed fourth in the 1V8 and second in the 2V8, ending with an overall score of 45, which placed them in third overall.
A Year of Accomplishments
This back-to-back championship victory adds to a year filled with remarkable achievements for Coach Lily Siddall and the Jumbos. They also celebrated wins at the Head of the Charles Collegiate Eights, retained their NESCAC championships, and captured their third consecutive National Invitational Rowing Championships Points Trophy.
Adding to the excitement, Tufts Men’s Lacrosse team also clinched their second NCAA title in a week, underscoring a strong period for the university’s athletic programs.
–JUMBOS–
