Simon Fraser University Rowing Club - SFU Rowing

TOP OARSWOMAN 🏆🚣‍♀️

Rachel’s impact on our program this season was nothing short of transformative.

Returning to SFU with a wealth of experience from her time at UVic, she immediately elevated the technical standard of our crews and helped push us forward on the water. Her work ethic and competitiveness set the tone in every session, but what truly sets Rachel apart is her commitment to everyone around her.

From offering technical guidance to lifting teammates through the toughest training blocks, she consistently put the team first. Her leadership made her a natural captain, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and support across the entire program.

We’re incredibly grateful for the experience, passion, and leadership she brought back to SFU ❤️

Congratulations to our 2025-26 Top Oarswoman, Rachel! 👏

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TOP OARSMAN 🏆🚣‍♂️

Joel set the standard for excellence from day one.

This award recognizes the most outstanding male rower on the team, and Joel’s dedication, consistency, and performance made him a clear choice. Throughout the fall season, competing against top Canadian university programs, he established a level that pushed the entire men’s squad forward.

His commitment was especially evident on the erg. Session after session, Joel showed what it means to fully buy into the process. He arrived ready to work, embraced every challenge, and continually raised the bar for those around him.

His determination and competitive mindset drove the men’s program throughout the fall racing season and laid the foundation for the progress we’ve seen all year.

Congratulations to our 2025-26 Top Oarsman, Joel! 👏

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TOP FEMALE NOVICE 🏆🚣‍♀️

Congratulations to our Top Female Novice, Amanda Morill! 👏

Amanda took on a huge challenge stepping in as a novice coxswain and immediately made an impact.

She showed confidence from the start, asked questions, and picked things up quickly. Amanda consistently came to practice prepared with her own plans and ideas, showing a level of initiative that elevated her crews.

An exceptional addition to the team from day one.

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TOP MALE NOVICE 🏆🚣‍♂️

Congratulations to our Top Male Novice, Sam Stringer! 👏

From day one, Sam stood out for his attentiveness and work ethic. He was always asking questions, putting in extra effort, and staying after practice to help clean up and look for ways to improve.

An all around great athlete and an exceptional teammate, Sam consistently supported those around him, always cheering others on and pushing everyone to be their best.

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THE HILL PRESIDENCY AWARD 🏆🚣‍♀️

This year, the coaching staff wanted to introduce a new award to recognize something incredibly important to the success of this program, leadership that happens quietly, consistently, and often behind the scenes.

The Hill Presidency Award will not necessarily be presented every year. It is reserved for individuals who go above and beyond during their time with the program. Those whose leadership, dedication, and commitment help keep the team moving forward in ways that are not always visible or publicly recognized. These are the people who make a lasting impact simply because they care deeply about this team.

This year’s inaugural recipient is someone who truly embodies everything this award represents, Allison Hill.

Over the past two years, Allison has served as President of the club and supported this program in countless ways. A tremendous amount of work happens behind the scenes to keep a team running, from organization and communication to problem solving and ensuring everything stays on track, and Allison has been at the center of it all.

On a daily level, she has been an invaluable support to the coaching staff. She is the person who helps keep things organized, follows up when needed, and consistently steps in without hesitation whenever support is required. More often than not, she takes initiative before being asked. Allison continually goes far beyond what is expected, not for recognition, but because she is deeply committed to the success of this team.

She has consistently shown up with care, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is best for the program. Quite simply, this program would not be where it is today without her leadership.

It is an absolute privilege to recognize the inaugural recipient of the Hill Presidency Award, Allison Hill. 👏

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STRATFORD LEADERSHIP 🏆🚣‍♀️

Rachel exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose.

The Stratford Leadership Award honors individuals who inspire those around them, named in recognition of Meaghan Stratford’s lasting impact on this team. This award recognizes an athlete who uplifts others, leads by example, and strengthens team culture through their actions every day.

Rachel went above and beyond in her leadership role this season. She consistently supported coaches, helped organize training opportunities, and encouraged teammates to take full advantage of additional sessions. Her commitment to the program extended far beyond her own performance.

What truly sets her apart is how she lifts those around her. Rachel constantly pushes her teammates to improve while making sure they feel supported in the process. Regardless of lineup or circumstance, she stayed positive, encouraging, and focused on team success.

Her leadership, energy, and dedication have had a lasting impact on our culture, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her in our program.

Congratulations to our 2025-26 Stratford Leadership Award recipient, Rachel! 👏

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IRON OAR 🏆🚣

Nalyssa and Evan defined what it means to show up and put in the work.

The Iron Oar Award recognizes athletes who demonstrate exceptional grit, determination, and resilience, especially through the toughest parts of the training season. This year, both Nalyssa and Evan embodied that standard every single day.

Through the long and demanding winter training block, and countless hours on the erg, they stepped up as leaders within the team. Their commitment to improvement was evident in every session, and their consistency helped set the tone for those around them.

They hold themselves to incredibly high standards and are often their own toughest critics, but that drive is exactly what pushes them forward. Even on the hardest days, they showed up ready to work, gave their full effort, and led by example.

Their perseverance, determination, and dedication to the process make them more than deserving of this recognition.

Congratulations to our 2025-26 Iron Oar recipients, Nalyssa and Evan! 👏

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MOST IMPROVED 🏆🚣‍♀️

Michelle and Allison showed what it truly means to commit to growth.

The Most Improved Award recognizes athletes who demonstrate outstanding development across the season, and both of these rowers made that impossible to ignore.

Michelle made a huge leap during the fall. When the opportunity came to step up and train with the senior team, she embraced it fully and pushed beyond expectations. Her positivity, curiosity, and constant drive to learn left a lasting impression on everyone around her.

Allison’s growth since the fall has been just as remarkable. Her dedication showed in every training block, building toward an incredible performance at Beat the Beast where she delivered a massive personal best. It was a moment that reflected the work she has put in all year.

Both athletes embody what this award stands for through their perseverance, work ethic, and commitment to getting better every day.

Congratulations to our 2025-26 Most Improved recipients, Michelle and Allison! 👏

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The Red Leafs raced hard at the annual 4400m course Head of the Fort on the beautiful Bedford Channel in Fort Langley, BC!

Congratulations to all crews that raced and huge thank you to for putting on an amazing regatta. See you next year!

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Today’s the day 🤩 The Red Leafs kick off racing in 2026 at the annual Head of the Fort regatta hosted by .

📍Bedford Channel, Fort Langley, BC
⏰ 8:45 AM: Womens 8+, Men’s 4-
⏰ 12:00 PM: Men’s 4+, Women’s 2x/2-

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