Women's Rowing Welcomes 16 Novice Athletes to Program

By Press release submission

Oct 29, 2021

Jacksonville University issued the following announcement on Oct. 27.

The women's rowing program at Jacksonville University is championship-caliber for a variety of reasons, but one of the most underrated aspects of the team's success is the integration of walk-on athletes.

Jacksonville University Women's Rowing program has unique curb appeal- meaning it- alongside the lacrosse team- are the only two sports at the university's D1 level to allow new members to join the roster.

55 percent of JU's 21-22 roster is made up of walk-ons. This year's women's rowing team added 16 walk-ons to the roster, after campus recruitment, meetings and, of course, two weeks of tryouts.

"I could not be more excited about this year's group of walk-ons," said Head Coach Mike Lane. "They are extremely influential in the speed and success of the program."

Alex Pulliam, Novice Coach: "As an alumnus of the team, I saw the direct benefit of novices for our program. In my years, many of our MAAC Conference boats had at least 1 novice in those championship-winning crews. I am so grateful for these kids who have joined us, and eager to bring them up to speed with the rest of our athletes!"

Targeting high school athletes who may not have had the types of offers to play in college as their peers, the next step is to learn the fundamentals. Any nervousness of tackling a completely new sport is alleviated at least some by the number of others on the team who have been in the new rower's shoes, some as recently as just one year prior. The testimonials from former walk-ons at the interest meeting sway those that may have had any doubts.

There are plenty of success stories to lean on, and due to that, and the fact that the athletes decide to join for the challenge and sheer love of competition, helps make everyone on the team better.

"Their energy and enthusiasm for the sport is infectious," said Lane.

Introducing the newest walk-on members of the JU women's rowing team:

Hope Atkinson – Sophomore / Jacksonville, Florida

Fun Fact: Was on the bowling team in high school for one year

Elyssa Audije – Freshman / Jacksonville, Florida

Fun Fact: Played soccer and danced for 10 years

Allanah Carver – Freshman / Bowling Green, Kentucky

Fun Fact: Participated in basketball, soccer, and track in high school

Shannon Durden – Freshman / Callahan, Florida

Fun Fact: Can play the ukulele and acoustic guitar

Isabelle Eide – Freshman / San Diego, California

Fun Fact: Played roller derby since she was nine and lived in Japan for a little over five years.