The Buckeyes are set to compete in the 2025 Big Ten Rowing Championships this weekend at the Indianapolis Rowing Center
The Ohio State Buckeyes women’s rowing team is gearing up for the 2025 Big Ten Rowing Championships, scheduled for this weekend at the Indianapolis Rowing Center. This marks the team’s first appearance at the venue since their dramatic victory in 2022, where they clinched their record 10th Big Ten title. With a strong roster and a history of success, the Buckeyes are poised to make a significant impact at this year’s championship.
Ohio State has a storied history in Big Ten rowing, having secured 10 conference titles, including a memorable win in 2022. In that championship, the Buckeyes edged out Michigan in a photo finish in the First Varsity Eight race, clocking in at 6:13.883, just 0.563 seconds ahead of the Wolverines. That victory underscored the team’s resilience and competitive spirit.
In 2023, Ohio State narrowly missed another title, finishing second with 169 points, just behind Michigan’s 174. The championship came down to the final race, where Michigan secured the win in the First Varsity Eight event. Despite the close loss, the Buckeyes demonstrated their depth by winning multiple events, including the Second Varsity Eight, Second Varsity Four, and First Novice Eight.
Under the guidance of head coach Emily Gackowski, who took the helm in 2025, the Buckeyes have shown promising results. In their season opener at the Big Ten/Ivy Dust Up in Camden, New Jersey, they faced tough competition from teams like Yale, Syracuse, and Rutgers. Despite the challenges, the team showcased their potential and adaptability.
The Buckeyes’ lineup for the 2025 season includes a mix of experienced rowers and promising newcomers. The First Varsity Eight crew features coxswain Eliana Bujwalo-Nowak, stroke Ellie Brindle, and rowers Amelia Boes, Emilia Fritz, Leandra Hogrefe, Abby Thomas, Maria Kyridou, Rose Biddulph, and Niamh Coffey. This lineup has shown strong cohesion and speed throughout the season.
The Second Varsity Eight, coxed by Regan McElwee, includes stroke Elise Brohan and rowers Katherine Scott, Zoe Hall, Ava Fortney, Franzi Fischer, Lilli Leopard, Sierra Jones, and Caroline Caudill. This crew has demonstrated depth and versatility, making them a formidable opponent in the upcoming championship.
The 2025 Big Ten Rowing Championships will feature several strong teams vying for the title. Michigan, the defending champions, are always a formidable force, having secured their ninth Big Ten title in 2024 with victories in multiple events, including the First Varsity Eight.
Indiana, with their strong performances in recent years, including a close second-place finish in 2023, will also be a team to watch. Their consistent results suggest they will be contenders for the top spots.
Other teams like Rutgers, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have also shown competitiveness in past championships and will look to challenge the top teams for podium positions.
The Indianapolis Rowing Center, located at Eagle Creek Park, has been a significant site for rowing competitions. In 2022, it hosted the Big Ten Rowing Championships, where Ohio State secured their record 10th title. The venue’s 2,000-meter course provides a challenging yet fair test for all competitors, with its unique wind conditions and water currents adding to the complexity of the races.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the 2025 Big Ten Rowing Championships, they carry with them a legacy of excellence and a determination to add another title to their storied history. With a talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and the support of their fans, Ohio State is set to make a strong push for the championship. The upcoming regatta promises to be a thrilling showcase of collegiate rowing at its finest.
The 2025 Big Ten Rowing Championships represent a pivotal moment for the Ohio State Buckeyes. With a rich history, a talented team, and a challenging venue, they are poised to make a significant impact. As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on the Indianapolis Rowing Center to see if the Buckeyes can add another chapter to their legacy of success.
