Eastern Michigan Athletics

Mahaney Senior Spotlight

Senior Spotlight: Karson Mahaney, Rowing

5/8/2020 2:00:00 PM | Women's Rowing, General

EMU Athletics will recognize and share stories of the Class of 2020

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) - Joining the Eastern Michigan University rowing team as a talent-transfer athlete out of Miami East High School, Karson Mahaney (Troy, Ohio-Miami East) became a staple in the Second Varsity Eight boats for the Eagles during her time at EMU. Most notably, Mahaney was a member of the Second Varsity Eight boat that took second place at the 2019 Colonial Athletic Association Championships, helping the Green and White match their best team finish at the CAA's since 2016 (third). She has also been a part of the Second Varsity Eight boats that won the B Final at the 2019 George Mason Invitational and Grand Final at the MACRA Championships. In addition, Mahaney has also been a member of the Second Varsity Eight boats that posted runner-up finishes at the 2018 George Mason Invitational and 2017 Lubbers Cup Regatta. 

Looking back on her time at EMU, Mahaney said: "My favorite memory as an Eagle is last year at CAA's. As a member of the 2V, we had a program-record finish of second place. It was a tight race and it came down to the last 500 meters, but we pulled ahead and secured our spot in second place. The energy in the boat was insane. Our coxswain was demanding more and every stroke we gave it all we had. I remember rowing back to the dock and my whole body shaking. After we got hands off the boat we couldn't stop hugging and high five-ing each other. It was a surreal moment watching Kemp (Savage) come around to each of us, giving us hugs and rehashing the race. Not only will I cherish the racing memories, but I will never forget the karaoke sessions, crazy bus rides, and my teammates and sisters I made while rowing."

A two-time CAA Commissioner's Honor Roll selection and recognized as a Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association National Scholar Athlete, Mahaney will graduate with a degree in exercise science.   
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