Illini Rowing

Less than three weeks left, time to reintroduce Men’s President Nicholas! Here’s a message from him:

Hi, this summer I was able to move with my family down to the beautiful beaches on Naples florida. I was able to help out a middle school learn-to-row with the Rowing Association of Naples, row a single, and code open source projects for fun. My favorite seats would either be stroking in a double or bowing a in pair.

Fun fact: I’ve been rowing since 7th grade so this is the start of my 10th year rowing!

Nicholas’ years of experience has been great with help novices learn in past seasons and we are so glad to have him back as our Men’s President this year. If you’d like to learn something from him, send us a dm!

Less than 4 weeks left and our next athlete up is Men’s Captain Aaditya!

Here’s a message from him:

This summer I’ve been working in Wisconsin and seeing all the state had to offer. My favorite side is port and favorite seat is bow of pair stroked by Harry 😍
I’m excited to welcome this new novice class and can’t wait for another great season.
Fun fact: I was a coxswain for my first year on the team

Just like Aaditya, we are so excited to meet our novice class and welcome new athletes to the team. If rowing seems like something that would interest you, please reach out and we’d love to talk about the sport and team!

With less than 5 weeks left until classes, let’s catch up with some of the team. First up, Women’s Captain Sophia!

Here’s a message from her:

Hi! This summer I’ve been spending time with family in Seattle! This summer I loved learning to bake new desserts. My favorite seat to row is seven!
Fun Fact: I had no prior experience rowing prior to UIUC! I was a competitive synchronized swimmer for seven years. I enjoy teaching people how to swim!

We are so excited for the season to start and would love to have you join us! If you’re interested about joining the team and meeting other great people like Sophia, send us a dm!

Happy National Learn to Row Day from Illinois Rowing! If you are interested in the sport we love feel free to send us or DM or check out our local programs by clicking the link in our bio! The first session starts June 17th and the second session starts July 18th!

For our last Senior Spotlight, we’re pleased to honor four years of our 2025-2026 Women’s team president, Sylvia Gimbel! 🎓

Going above and beyond in all that she does, Sylvia not only double majored in Mathematics and Integrative Biology, but also minored in Chemistry as well! This next year, she’ll take her talents to Epic Systems in Madison, Wisconsin to work on technology and software support for hospitals. 💻

Although she had many regattas to choose from, she named MACRA 2023 as her number 1. Starting blown off course and down by boat lengths, Sylvia did as she does and worked with her crew to earn their way back up to a medal! 🥉

Along with rowing, Sylvia spends her time working on diverse projects such as studying sea stars and urchins in tidal pools and computational epidemiological modeling. She additionally enjoys creating art, most notable painting and drawing! 🎨

Sylvia, you’ve been an inspiration to many rowers both on and off the water. You will be missed greatly on Illini Rowing. Congratulations! 🎉

#2026

For our next Senior Spotlight, we’re proud to highlight three years of our very own Marie Keating! 🎓

Earning her masters in Library and Information Science, Marie plans to work at a library or museum next year. Additionally, she will continue to row and coach! 📚

Looking back on her past regattas with our team, she chose her favorite to be Head of the Rock 2025. Few take on the challenge of double racing, especially in the VW8+ and the WO2x, but Marie took the opportunity to go for the gold!🥇

On top of rowing, Marie is also a connoisseur of many hobbies. Some of her favorites include biking, reading, and enjoying movie nights with friends! 🎬

Marie, we treasure your authentic, caring personality and ability to light up every room you’re in. Our team will deeply miss you. Congratulations! 🎉

#2026

First up for a Senior Spotlight, we have 2026 spring novice, Joan Biyok! 🎓

Majoring in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Joan has a few different potential paths to take next year! Deciding between taking a gap year to travel and build up clinical experience or continuing onto a Masters in Health Administration, we have no doubts that Joan will find success wherever she chooses to go. 🩺

Joining our team right in time for 2k season, her favorite race was Lubber’s Cup in Grand Rapids, Michigan! Although the weather conditions were not ideal, Joan showed great determination and improvement through the day. 🚣‍♀️

Outside of rowing, Joan is also part of the ROTC! For hobbies, she enjoys watching movies, baking, arts and crafts, and working out! 💪

Joan, even though your time with us was short, you left a lasting impact! We will miss you on Illini Rowing next year. Congratulations! 🎉

#2026

And just like that we wrapped up our 2025-2026 season this past weekend at ACRA Nationals!

Great work to all racing crews, and a big thank you to all those who came out to support! We’re ready for our summer training and to come back stronger than ever this fall! I-L-L 🙌

ACRA-
📍 Melton Hill Lake
⏰ 9:00 AM
🗒️ herenow.com

ACRA 2026 Lineups


Be sure to tune into the livestream starting at 8:00 AM EDT