The rowing team acquired 15 new commits for their 2021-22 recruiting class at the start of the collegiate signing period. Out of those 15, 11 come from Kansas, three are from Missouri and one is from Tennessee.
Out of all of the commits, none have competed in the sport of rowing, but have all had extensive time playing sports outside of the boat.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic and all the issues that it has brought to the recruiting process, head coach Patrick Sweeney was pleased with the recent number of signees.
“Without the ability to invite new recruits to see our team in action, I have to applaud the athletes and our coaching staff for their adaptability, which started back in March,” Sweeney said to K-State Athletics. “Coaches Noelle [Dykmann] and Hanna [Wiltfong] adjusted quickly to the NCAA recruiting dead period and as a result, we have a solid early commitment class.”
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The 11 commits hailing from Kansas include — Lindsey Antonowich (Newton), Jayden Brandt (Topeka), Ella Carlson (Olathe), Kyndall Clevenger (Clearwater), Faith Gates (Anthony), Jenna Harvey (Baldwin City), Gracyn McClain (Wichita), Maddy Morgan (Basehor), Symone Simmons (Garden City), Anna Staley (Lenexa) and Taylor Strickland (Junction City).
Many of the commits from Kansas are multi-sport athletes, playing sports such as volleyball, basketball, track and field, softball, cross country, tennis, soccer, powerlifting and even boxing.
The three from Missouri include — Madie Barrett (Springfield), Olivia Berens (Lee’s Summit) and Kendra Siefker (Independence) — also competed in a variety of different sports at their respective high schools.
The final commit outside of the state of Kansas is Haven Habhab out of Fort Campbell, Tennessee. Moving more than 11 times in her life as a part of a military family, Campbell spent her athletic career in high school playing basketball, volleyball and tennis.
With the cancelation of their 2020 spring season, Sweeney and the rest of the Wildcat rowers are looking forward to competing in future seasons. The addition of 15 new commits will bring a fresh look to the team in 2021.
