Eastern Michigan Athletics
Rowing Announces Additions to 2023-24 Roster
12/12/2022 11:50:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Class includes six experienced rowers and seven talent-transfer athletes
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University rowing Head Coach Kemp Savage announced the signing of 13 incoming freshmen to the 2023-24 roster today, Dec. 12. The Eagles signing class includes six experienced rowers and seven additional talent-transfer athletes.
"This has been one of the most, if not the most, successful early signings in my time at EMU. We have a group of incoming freshmen that are ready to take on the future of winning championships and making fast boats." said Savage. "It is great to have two international members on the team to increase our footprint outside of the US. Our talent-transfer athletes are also great additions to take up the sport and make impacts on the future of our CAA boats."
Stella Balcom (Cadillac, Mich.-Cadillac)
A talent-transfer athlete for the Eagles, Balcom is an accomplished swimmer and softball player out of Cadillac High School. Under Head Coach Scott Leesch, Balcom competed in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle for the Vikings. A third place conference finisher and team captain, the Michigan native holds the Cadillac High School record in the 50-yard freestyle at 26.5 seconds. As a softball player for the Vikings, Balcom has earned an All-Area Dream Team distinction along with a second team all-conference honorable mention. Balcom is also a member of the Cadillac Express and Cadillac Current club softball and swimming teams. With the Currents, Balcom qualified for the MTSL State Championship. As an outfielder with the Cadillac Express, the incoming signee claimed both a Michigan State and Great Lakes National Championship title.
Hannah Brunton (Grand Ledge, Mich.-Grand Ledge)
A track athlete out of Grand Ledge High School, Brunton joins the Green and White as a talent-transfer rower. Under Head Coach Ryan Blue, the Michigan native was a three-time letter winner and two-year captain for the Comets. Brunton's accolades include a second place conference finish in both pole vault and high jump. The incoming signee also competed in pompon at Grand Ledge, earning three varsity letters and was named to the Mid-American All Stars Team in 2022.
Gabby Charvat (Three Rivers, Mich.-Three Rivers)
Another Michigan local, Charvat will be an additional talent-transfer rower for the Eagles next fall. A four-time letterwinner under Head Coach Josh Holman, Charvat competed in basketball for the Wildcats. The incoming signee was a member of Three Rivers district champion basketball team and earned a Second Team All-Conference postseason distinction. Charvat also participated in volleyball and softball where she earned an additional Second Team All-Conference honor in both sports. Furthermore, she garnered an All-Region postseason award for volleyball. Charvat was also a two-year basketball team captain.
Julia Johnson (Fowlerville, Mich. - Fowlerville)
An eight-time varsity letterwinner out of Fowlerville, Mich., Johnson joins the Eastern Michigan rowing team as a talent-transfer athlete. Competing in volleyball, basketball and softball, Johnson was an important member of Fowlerville's athletic teams. The incoming signee earned a postseason honorable mention nod twice as a member of the Gladiator's basketball team. Furthermore, Johnson earned a postseason honorable mention distinction for softball. The Michigan native also participated in club basketball for seven years.
Sydney Junkans (Prairie Farm, Wis. - Prairie Farm)
As a four sport athlete from western Wisconsin, Junkans will be another talent-transfer rower for the Eagles next fall. The incoming signee competed in basketball, cross country and volleyball for the Panthers, earning her an astounding 12 varsity letters. At Prairie Farm, Junkans was a member of the school's two-time conference and regional champion basketball team. Her basketball accolades include both a First and Second Team All-Conference distinction in 2021 and 2022 respectively, along with an All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2020. Additionally, Junkans was named Offensive Player of the Year by her basketball team in 2022. The Wisconsin native was also part of Prairie Farm's two-time conference champion track & field team in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, Junkans was a two-time state qualifier after finishing first at sectionals in both the 4x400 and 4x800 relays. She also qualified for states a third time in 2022 in the 4x400 relay. Junkans currently holds the Prairie Farm school record in the 4x200 meter relay at 1:49:54. During her sophomore season, Junkans earned two First Team All-Conference honors and one Second Team All-Conference distinction. The incoming signee was also a two-time team captain and a four-time Academic Athlete Award winner.
Abbi Lauth (Grosse Ile, Mich. - Grosse Ile)
Lauth joins the Green and White as an experienced rower out of Grosse Ile High School. A four-time letterwinner under Head Coach Scott Sitek, Lauth was named MVP of the Red Devils' rowing team in 2021 and 2022. Lauth was a member of Novice Four boat that took home a Michigan State title in 2021 and placed third at the state championships in the Red Devils' Varsity Eight boat the same year. The Michigan native also competed in hockey and diving where she earned three varsity letters and multiple distinctions including MVP diver in 2020 and MVP of the CCM World Invite in Chicago, Ill. in December of 2021. Lauth also served as a team captain on the Grosse Ile rowing team.
Ellie Latunski (Grand Rapids, Mich. - Forest Hills Central)
Latunski comes to Ypsilanti as a seasoned rower out of Grand Rapids, Mich. Under Head Coach Zoe Niswonger, Latunski has earned two varsity letters with the Forest Hills Central rowing program. The Mitten state native's honors include a fourth place semifinal finish in the Junior Varsity Eight boat at the 2022 SRAA National Championships. At the Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championship earlier this year, Latunski landed first in the Junior Varsity Eight and second in the Junior Varsity four boats. The incoming signee also earned a first place finish at the 2022 Michigan State Rowing Championship in the Rangers Junior Varsity Eight boat. Additionally, Latunski was also a member of the Women's Senior Four boat that finished fifth at the 2022 CSSRA Championships. She also competed in volleyball and basketball for the Rangers.
Bryah Moriarty (Christchurch, New Zealand - Burnside)
Moriarty joins the Eagles next fall as a five year rowing veteran out of New Zealand. Under Head Coaches Sarah Lindley and Christina Blackford, the incoming signee was a two-year team captain of Burnside's two-time South Island Secondary School Champion sculling and rowing team. During her novice season, Moriarty won her team's Most Improved Novice Award. As a U16 competitor, she was awarded the team's Top Female Sculler Award. Moriarty's U17 season featured two first place finishes at the Silver South Island Rowing and South Island Secondary School Championships. She also earned Burnside's Most Outstanding Rower Award, Female Captain. As a U18 rower, the Kiwi earned five first place finishes at three different rowing championships. She also garnered her team's award for the top female rower once again. Additionally, Moriarty competed in hockey for 11 years.
Tatum Nettle (Lewis Center, Ohio - Olentangy)
A member of the Olentangy Rowing Club, Nettle comes to campus with four years of rowing experience. Under the club's Head Coaches Allison Sobiech and Davis Ferris, Nettle qualified for nationals at the Midwest Junior Championship in 2022. The Ohio native also placed first in the Novice Women's Eight boat at the Hoover Sprints Regatta last year with her club team. Nettle joins current freshman Ainsley Dean as Olentangy Rowing Club members who now compete for the Eagles.
Natalie Prairie (Clifton, Ill. - Bishop McNamara Catholic)
A three sport athlete out of Bishop McNamara Catholic High School, Prairie joins the Eagles from her hometown of Clifton, Ill. As a five-time letterwinner, Prairie competed in basketball, volleyball and softball for the Fighting Irish. During her high school career, the Illinois native garnered multiple accolades including All-Area, All-Conference and All-County distinctions. Prairie was also a member of Bishop McNamara Catholic's two-time regional volleyball and softball championship teams. The incoming signee participated in club volleyball and softball as well.
Emma Sagna (Mantes La Jolie, France, - Lycée Notre Dame)
Sagna will join Eastern Michigan next season from all the way across the pond. A member of Lycée Notre Dame's sculling and rowing teams, Sagna earned four league titles in four years with the program. As a sculler, the incoming signee is a three-time French National Championship qualifier. During her 2020-21 season, Sagna was selected to compete for her regional team and won a bronze medal at the Coupe de France, a national championship regatta. Most recently in her junior season, she qualified twice as a senior lightweight rower in the "A" Final of the French Championships. Sagna also received an honorary bonus distinction awarded by the mayor in 2019 and 2020.
Abigail Tirollo (Orange, Conn. - Amity)
Tirollo joins the Eagles next fall with five years of rowing experience under her belt. Under Head Coach Drew Combs, the incoming signee rowed for both Litchfield Hills Rowing and Great River Rowing clubs. Tirollo's rowing accolades include a top 10 finish in women's youth double event at the Head of the Hooch Regatta. The Connecticut native also came in within the top 18 finishes in the women's youth event at summer nationals. Tirollo served as a rowing team captain for three years. She also competed in swimming.
Lauren Tompkins (Delaware, Ohio - Rutherford B. Hayes)
Another talent-transfer signee for the Eagles, Tompkins comes to Ypsilanti as a three sport athlete out of Rutherford B. Hayes High School in Delaware, Ohio. A four time letterwinner, Tompkins competed in softball, volleyball and basketball for the Pacers. The Ohio-native garnered multiple honors across the three sports including First and Second All-OCC distinctions and an Offensive Player of the Year award. In 2020, Tompkins was named USSSA Southeastern Nationals Tournament MVP in softball and finished third at the organization's home run derby in the same year. Tompkins was also a member of the NDA Reapers 04 softball team which claimed the USSSA Southeastern Nationals title in 2020.
For updates on all things EMU Rowing, be sure to follow @EMURowing on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and visit EMUEagles.com.
"This has been one of the most, if not the most, successful early signings in my time at EMU. We have a group of incoming freshmen that are ready to take on the future of winning championships and making fast boats." said Savage. "It is great to have two international members on the team to increase our footprint outside of the US. Our talent-transfer athletes are also great additions to take up the sport and make impacts on the future of our CAA boats."
Stella Balcom (Cadillac, Mich.-Cadillac)
A talent-transfer athlete for the Eagles, Balcom is an accomplished swimmer and softball player out of Cadillac High School. Under Head Coach Scott Leesch, Balcom competed in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle for the Vikings. A third place conference finisher and team captain, the Michigan native holds the Cadillac High School record in the 50-yard freestyle at 26.5 seconds. As a softball player for the Vikings, Balcom has earned an All-Area Dream Team distinction along with a second team all-conference honorable mention. Balcom is also a member of the Cadillac Express and Cadillac Current club softball and swimming teams. With the Currents, Balcom qualified for the MTSL State Championship. As an outfielder with the Cadillac Express, the incoming signee claimed both a Michigan State and Great Lakes National Championship title.
Hannah Brunton (Grand Ledge, Mich.-Grand Ledge)
A track athlete out of Grand Ledge High School, Brunton joins the Green and White as a talent-transfer rower. Under Head Coach Ryan Blue, the Michigan native was a three-time letter winner and two-year captain for the Comets. Brunton's accolades include a second place conference finish in both pole vault and high jump. The incoming signee also competed in pompon at Grand Ledge, earning three varsity letters and was named to the Mid-American All Stars Team in 2022.
Gabby Charvat (Three Rivers, Mich.-Three Rivers)
Another Michigan local, Charvat will be an additional talent-transfer rower for the Eagles next fall. A four-time letterwinner under Head Coach Josh Holman, Charvat competed in basketball for the Wildcats. The incoming signee was a member of Three Rivers district champion basketball team and earned a Second Team All-Conference postseason distinction. Charvat also participated in volleyball and softball where she earned an additional Second Team All-Conference honor in both sports. Furthermore, she garnered an All-Region postseason award for volleyball. Charvat was also a two-year basketball team captain.
Julia Johnson (Fowlerville, Mich. - Fowlerville)
An eight-time varsity letterwinner out of Fowlerville, Mich., Johnson joins the Eastern Michigan rowing team as a talent-transfer athlete. Competing in volleyball, basketball and softball, Johnson was an important member of Fowlerville's athletic teams. The incoming signee earned a postseason honorable mention nod twice as a member of the Gladiator's basketball team. Furthermore, Johnson earned a postseason honorable mention distinction for softball. The Michigan native also participated in club basketball for seven years.
Sydney Junkans (Prairie Farm, Wis. - Prairie Farm)
As a four sport athlete from western Wisconsin, Junkans will be another talent-transfer rower for the Eagles next fall. The incoming signee competed in basketball, cross country and volleyball for the Panthers, earning her an astounding 12 varsity letters. At Prairie Farm, Junkans was a member of the school's two-time conference and regional champion basketball team. Her basketball accolades include both a First and Second Team All-Conference distinction in 2021 and 2022 respectively, along with an All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2020. Additionally, Junkans was named Offensive Player of the Year by her basketball team in 2022. The Wisconsin native was also part of Prairie Farm's two-time conference champion track & field team in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, Junkans was a two-time state qualifier after finishing first at sectionals in both the 4x400 and 4x800 relays. She also qualified for states a third time in 2022 in the 4x400 relay. Junkans currently holds the Prairie Farm school record in the 4x200 meter relay at 1:49:54. During her sophomore season, Junkans earned two First Team All-Conference honors and one Second Team All-Conference distinction. The incoming signee was also a two-time team captain and a four-time Academic Athlete Award winner.
Abbi Lauth (Grosse Ile, Mich. - Grosse Ile)
Lauth joins the Green and White as an experienced rower out of Grosse Ile High School. A four-time letterwinner under Head Coach Scott Sitek, Lauth was named MVP of the Red Devils' rowing team in 2021 and 2022. Lauth was a member of Novice Four boat that took home a Michigan State title in 2021 and placed third at the state championships in the Red Devils' Varsity Eight boat the same year. The Michigan native also competed in hockey and diving where she earned three varsity letters and multiple distinctions including MVP diver in 2020 and MVP of the CCM World Invite in Chicago, Ill. in December of 2021. Lauth also served as a team captain on the Grosse Ile rowing team.
Ellie Latunski (Grand Rapids, Mich. - Forest Hills Central)
Latunski comes to Ypsilanti as a seasoned rower out of Grand Rapids, Mich. Under Head Coach Zoe Niswonger, Latunski has earned two varsity letters with the Forest Hills Central rowing program. The Mitten state native's honors include a fourth place semifinal finish in the Junior Varsity Eight boat at the 2022 SRAA National Championships. At the Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championship earlier this year, Latunski landed first in the Junior Varsity Eight and second in the Junior Varsity four boats. The incoming signee also earned a first place finish at the 2022 Michigan State Rowing Championship in the Rangers Junior Varsity Eight boat. Additionally, Latunski was also a member of the Women's Senior Four boat that finished fifth at the 2022 CSSRA Championships. She also competed in volleyball and basketball for the Rangers.
Bryah Moriarty (Christchurch, New Zealand - Burnside)
Moriarty joins the Eagles next fall as a five year rowing veteran out of New Zealand. Under Head Coaches Sarah Lindley and Christina Blackford, the incoming signee was a two-year team captain of Burnside's two-time South Island Secondary School Champion sculling and rowing team. During her novice season, Moriarty won her team's Most Improved Novice Award. As a U16 competitor, she was awarded the team's Top Female Sculler Award. Moriarty's U17 season featured two first place finishes at the Silver South Island Rowing and South Island Secondary School Championships. She also earned Burnside's Most Outstanding Rower Award, Female Captain. As a U18 rower, the Kiwi earned five first place finishes at three different rowing championships. She also garnered her team's award for the top female rower once again. Additionally, Moriarty competed in hockey for 11 years.
Tatum Nettle (Lewis Center, Ohio - Olentangy)
A member of the Olentangy Rowing Club, Nettle comes to campus with four years of rowing experience. Under the club's Head Coaches Allison Sobiech and Davis Ferris, Nettle qualified for nationals at the Midwest Junior Championship in 2022. The Ohio native also placed first in the Novice Women's Eight boat at the Hoover Sprints Regatta last year with her club team. Nettle joins current freshman Ainsley Dean as Olentangy Rowing Club members who now compete for the Eagles.
Natalie Prairie (Clifton, Ill. - Bishop McNamara Catholic)
A three sport athlete out of Bishop McNamara Catholic High School, Prairie joins the Eagles from her hometown of Clifton, Ill. As a five-time letterwinner, Prairie competed in basketball, volleyball and softball for the Fighting Irish. During her high school career, the Illinois native garnered multiple accolades including All-Area, All-Conference and All-County distinctions. Prairie was also a member of Bishop McNamara Catholic's two-time regional volleyball and softball championship teams. The incoming signee participated in club volleyball and softball as well.
Emma Sagna (Mantes La Jolie, France, - Lycée Notre Dame)
Sagna will join Eastern Michigan next season from all the way across the pond. A member of Lycée Notre Dame's sculling and rowing teams, Sagna earned four league titles in four years with the program. As a sculler, the incoming signee is a three-time French National Championship qualifier. During her 2020-21 season, Sagna was selected to compete for her regional team and won a bronze medal at the Coupe de France, a national championship regatta. Most recently in her junior season, she qualified twice as a senior lightweight rower in the "A" Final of the French Championships. Sagna also received an honorary bonus distinction awarded by the mayor in 2019 and 2020.
Abigail Tirollo (Orange, Conn. - Amity)
Tirollo joins the Eagles next fall with five years of rowing experience under her belt. Under Head Coach Drew Combs, the incoming signee rowed for both Litchfield Hills Rowing and Great River Rowing clubs. Tirollo's rowing accolades include a top 10 finish in women's youth double event at the Head of the Hooch Regatta. The Connecticut native also came in within the top 18 finishes in the women's youth event at summer nationals. Tirollo served as a rowing team captain for three years. She also competed in swimming.
Lauren Tompkins (Delaware, Ohio - Rutherford B. Hayes)
Another talent-transfer signee for the Eagles, Tompkins comes to Ypsilanti as a three sport athlete out of Rutherford B. Hayes High School in Delaware, Ohio. A four time letterwinner, Tompkins competed in softball, volleyball and basketball for the Pacers. The Ohio-native garnered multiple honors across the three sports including First and Second All-OCC distinctions and an Offensive Player of the Year award. In 2020, Tompkins was named USSSA Southeastern Nationals Tournament MVP in softball and finished third at the organization's home run derby in the same year. Tompkins was also a member of the NDA Reapers 04 softball team which claimed the USSSA Southeastern Nationals title in 2020.
For updates on all things EMU Rowing, be sure to follow @EMURowing on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and visit EMUEagles.com.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing
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