Alabama Rowing Welcomes 15 During November Signing Period

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama rowing announced the addition of 15 new athletes during the November signing period, all of which are set to join the Crimson Tide for the 2022-23 season.

"We are looking forward to these athletes joining our team," UA head coach Glenn Putyrae said. "When putting this class together, we were looking for athletes that love rowing, are competitive and see the opportunity to achieve all of their goals here. This group possesses those qualities. We look forward to see the contributions they make to their teams this spring and watching them grow in the future as members of our team."

Halye Barlow – Louisville, Tenn.

Team Captain
1st in the 4- at 2021 Southeast Regionals
US Rowing Scholastic Honor Roll Finalist
2021 HP Women's Camp

"I chose Alabama because of how much I felt at home when I stepped on campus. I knew I wanted to be a part of the team, and I could envision myself as a student-athlete there unlike anywhere else."

Mary Czaja – Clarence, N.Y.

"Something that stood out to me when I first visited UA was how welcoming everyone on the team was. As soon I was introduced to the team, I immediately knew that I would thrive in this atmosphere. I am beyond excited to be part of such an amazing team and am looking forward to everything that the future has in store. Roll Tide!"

Dani French – Milton, Ga.

2021 Sarasota High Performance U19 and U21
2021 Summer National Championship U21 2- semifinalist, 4- bronze, 8+ silver
2021 Summer NC U19 2-, 4x and 8+ semifinalist
2021 Youth Nationals 8+ B Final (5th)

"The campus is very welcoming and feels like home. I'm most excited about getting to know my teammates and becoming a member of the Alabama family! The honor to wear the Alabama uniform means upholding the legacy of incredible athletes that came before me and to push further for those who come next. I'm looking forward to the amazing experience!"

Lizzie Hall – Windermere, Fla.

2nd in the state of Florida in the 1V8+ in 2021
3rd in the Southeast Region in the 1V8+ in 2021
Attended US Rowing's U19 Selection Camp
4th in the U19 8+, 2nd in the U18 4- at 2021 Club Nationals

"I fell in love with the University of Alabama as soon as I saw it. Being able to see such a beautiful campus and all the school spirit gave me such a strong desire to go to UA. There are so many great options for majors and, as someone who is mostly undecided, this is perfect for me so I can explore what I want to do. I also loved the way the team culture felt and the coaching style I got to see on my official visit. I ultimately chose Alabama because I could not see myself anywhere else. I can't wait for the next 4 years!"

Anna Hodge – Mason, Ohio

3rd at 2019 head of the Hooch in the 2x
2019 Nationals for Lightweight 4+
Raced the 8+ and finished 5th in the 4+ at 2021 Nationals
2021 High Performance Camp

"Alabama rowing is a unique program because of the coaching staff and school's investment in the team. I knew that I was stepping into an amazing athletic program and a school where I can achieve my academic goals. I can't wait to be a part of the Alabama rowing family!"

Ella Koors – Richboro, Pa.

2021 US Rowing Scholastic Honor Roll
6th at 2021 SRAA Nationals in the Varsity 8+
2nd at 2019 Mid Atlantic Youth Championship in Novice 4
4th at City Championship in the HS Novice 8+ - 2019

"I chose the University of Alabama for various reasons. I was impressed by the rowing coaches, academic advisor, athletic trainer and all of the teammates - how kind and happy they were while working extremely hard together. The respect everyone had for each other and their roles on the team resonated with me. Everyone was extremely helpful and supportive. As an incoming business major, I was also impressed with the Culverhouse College of Business and all the opportunities it provides to students as they prepare for their future."

Tiffany McAfee – Bellbrook, Ohio

2021 Youth Nationals in 1V8+ and 1V4+, placing 5th
Medaled in spring 2021 at Cincinnati Invite, Dogwood Invitational and Midwest Junior Championship
Won 2020 Ohio Fall Cup

"I chose the University of Alabama because I've always dreamt of going there and it was very welcoming. I've always loved Alabama because some of my extended family went there and we have always been Alabama fans. The two times I visited there, I felt like I was right at home, which is very important to me. The rowing team was very welcoming and I clicked so well with everyone I met. It made my decision easy."

Mandy Moran – Mathews, Va.

Two state medals
National and international level racing experience
Beta Club, student council and National Honors Society

"Seeing how inviting and supportive the team and coaching staff were really stood out to me. The unity and pride you feel on campus is really what got me hooked. I am so excited and proud that I have gotten this opportunity and cannot wait to see what the future holds for me at Alabama! Roll Tide Roll!"

Jillian O'Meara – Fairfield, Conn.

1st at Head of Housatonic 2021 in the Youth Quad
6th at 2021 US Nationals in the Youth Quad
7th at 2021 Youth Nationals in the Youth Quad
3rd at 2019 Club Nationals in the U17 Quad

"I am so excited to be a part of the incredible rowing team at Alabama. Meeting everyone on my official visit made me realize that Alabama is the right place for me. I can't wait to row fast and have fun with my teammates! Row Tide!"

Paige Perrott – Winter Park, Fla.

2019 Olympic Development Program, gold in 8 and Pair
2019 Youth Regional Challenge, won gold 8 and gold 4
2nd at 2019 states
3rd virtual nationals in 4
3rd place scholastic nationals in 8

"I chose Alabama because of the massive amount of support! From the facilities to the team, the coaches and the academics, there is an incredible amount of support and care. I love the whole atmosphere too. I feel like I can truly be myself at Alabama. I just love Alabama! It's completely well rounded and all of what I could ever ask for."

Chloe Phelps – Howey-In-The-Hills, Fla.

1st at 2019 Women's HS Southern Erg Sprints
1st in U16 8+ at 2019 US Rowing Youth Regional Challenge (Southeast)
Attended 2019 US Rowing Olympic Development Program, winning the Novice 1x at the ODP Cup

"From the minute I first talked with Coach Putyrae, I knew Alabama was the kind of program I was looking for. As the process continued, I fell in love with everything about the school. My favorite part of Alabama Rowing is the family dynamic within the team. I really admire the coaches and am so ready to work hard and make them proud. Roll Tide!"

Shelby Schoeman – Gauteng, South Africa

5th at Junior World Championships, representing South Africa
Two gold medals and one silver at 2019 Royal Canadian Henley
2019 South African Development Squad

"The University of Alabama is both academically strong as well as athletically strong, which is exactly what I was looking for in a university. I am most excited about competing in such a competitive environment against like-minded individuals and being part of a team, having seen how highly regarded UA is. My journey of conversations with the coaches and the interest they invested in my rowing career and commitment to the sport stood out to me and I cannot wait to join the team. Alabama is where I want to be!"

Ashley Sizelove – Windermere, Fla.

2019 US Rowing Olympic Development Program
Nationals in the Varsity 4+
1st at 2021 US Rowing Men's High Performance Camp

"As soon as I got to Alabama I knew it was the place for me. Walking around and seeing such a beautiful and connected campus, I felt at home. I could tell as soon as I met the team, just how amazing the culture is there. All the girls seemed so genuinely excited to see the recruits and welcome us as part of the team. It is the perfect environment that I want to surround myself with for the next four years."

Emma Voelkerding – Cincinnati, Ohio

1st place Midwest Championship in Novice 8+ and Novice 4+
CJRC team won the Women's Cup (2021)
1V4+ and 1V8+ won gold at the 2021 Hoover Fall Classic and Blake Haxton

"I chose to row at Alabama because of the amazing people on the team. Everyone was incredibly welcoming on my official visit. I could not differentiate the freshmen from the seniors because everyone was equally valued. I am so excited to be a part of the team! ROLL TIDE!"

Anna White – Madison, Ala.

2021 SE Youth Championships Women's 2x, 2nd regionally
2019 US Rowing National Championship U17 2x – 4th
2019 US Rowing U15/U17 Nationals, U17 2x – 4th
2018-19 US Rowing SE Youth Regionals, U17 2x – 1st

"I chose to attend the University of Alabama because of its beautiful campus, its excellent academic offerings and its success in women's rowing. I love how the members of UA's crew are truly passionate and driven, and that the team is bonded by a love for the sport!"

For the latest information on the team, follow @AlabamaRow on Twitter and Instagram and Alabama Rowing on Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and AlabamaAthletics on Facebook.

University of Alabama Athletics