SYRACUSE --
Assistant Syracuse University women's rowing coach Alicea Kochis has announced that five student-athletes will join the program beginning in the fall of 2010. The class represents four states and two countries.
Talia Horner ∙ 5'8" ∙ Verona, Wis. Horner's junior varsity four crew placed fifth at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in 2009 and won the Head of the Rock Regatta the same year. Prior to rowing her junior year of high school, she was focused on swimming and was state champion in the 200-meter backstroke at age 15. "Talia's athleticism is very impressive," Kochis said. "We are excited to see what she can do at the collegiate level once she specializes in rowing."
Ashley Marsh ∙ 5'11" ∙ Baldwinsville, N.Y. Marsh led her high school to a silver medal at the New York State Championship as a sophomore in the junior eight crew and bronze medal her junior year in the varsity eight. Her boat capped off their senior year winning at the section three regatta and placing second at New York State Championship. Marsh also attended the US Rowing Jr. B Sculling camp in 2007. She was also a middle blocker for the Baldwinsville Bees Volleyball team that competed at the NYSPHSAA Final four twice, finishing second her senior year. "Ashley comes highly recommended by her coach. She is a powerful rower with a lot of potential," Kochis said.
Maggie McCrudden ∙ 6'0" ∙ Ridgewood, N.J. McCrudden is a two time national champion, winning the varsity double at the 2010 Scholastic National Championship and the junior varsity double at the 2009 Scholastic National Championship. She attended the U.S. Rowing Junior National Team Development Camps in 2007 and 2008. McCrudden also played basketball throughout high school. "Maggie is a racer. She goes into every competition intent on winning. This mentality is very exciting and we can wait to have her on campus," Kochis said.
Rebecca Soja ∙ 5'9" ∙ Simsbury, Conn. Soja attended the 2007 U.S. Rowing Women's National Team Junior B Development Camp, the 2008 U.S. Rowing Women's Junior National Team High Performance Camp and the 2009 U.S. Rowing Women's Junior National Team Selection Camp. She raced with the 2009 CanAmMex team. Most recently Soja led her high school to the Connecticut Public School Championship in the women's varsity eight. In addition to rowing, she is also a member of her high school boys swim team. "Rebecca is a focused student-athlete who is always pushing herself to reach new limits on the erg, water and in the classroom. We expect her to have an immediate impact upon arriving on campus," Kochis said.
Miranda Williams ∙ 6'0" ∙ Newtown, VIC, Australia As Captain of the Geelong College Boat College, Williams led her boat to a ninth-place finish at the 2009 Australian Championships. Additionally she was selected for the 2008 Victorian Women's U18 training squad and received the Rowing Excellence Award at The Geelong College. "She is a highly motivated athlete with great character and leadership skills. We are thrilled to have Miranda join our program," Kochis said.
