Eastern Michigan Athletics
Photo by: Ryan Rupprecht
Eastern Places Eight Rowers as CRCA Scholar-Athletes
6/5/2026 2:00:00 PM | Women's Rowing
1,174 Student-Athletes Recognized Across The Nation
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) –The College Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) announced its list of athletes awarded the 2026 CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award, with eight Eastern Michigan University student-athletes earning recognition, the organization announced June 5. The Eagles selected included Stella Balcom, Gabby Charvat, Sydney Junkans, Ellie Latunski, Abbi Lauth, Bryah Moriarty, Natalie Prairie, and Abigail Zola.
"Balancing the demands of collegiate rowing and academics requires tremendous commitment, discipline, and support," said Janet Raymer, CRCA Executive Director. "These 1,174 scholar-athletes have demonstrated excellence not only in competition, but also in the classroom. Their achievements reflect the dedication of the student-athletes themselves, as well as the coaches, teammates, faculty, and families who help support their success. The CRCA is proud to recognize their accomplishments."
CRCA Scholar-Athletes are recognized for excellence both academically and athletically. Academically, an athlete must be a sophomore at minimum, and hold a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher throughout the fall and winter semesters. CRCA Scholar-Athletes must have rowed in at least 75% of the team's spring races in an NCAA or IRA (lightweight) eligible boat or competed in an NCAA boat at their Conference Championship or National Championship.
Balcom (Cadillac, Mich./Cadillac), a junior, competed with the Eagles in the first-ever Mid-American Conference Women's Rowing Championship, May 16 as part of the 2V8+ boat, placing fourth. This is her second-straight season being named a CRCA Scholar-Athlete.
Charvat (Three Rivers, Mich./Three Rivers), a junior, is honored as a CRCA Scholar-Athlete for the second-straight season. She competed primarily with the 1V8+ throughout the season.
Junkans (Prairie Farm, Wis./Prairie Farm), a junior competing with the Eagles, joins the CRCA Scholar-Athlete list for her second-straight season. A key contributor for EMU last season, Junkans rowed with the 1V8+ boat.
Latunski (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central), a junior, earns her second consecutive CRCA Scholar-Athlete award. Latunski competed with the 1V8+ boat throughout the season.
Lauth (Grosse Ile, Mich./Grosse Ile), a junior, earns her second-straight CRCA Scholar-Athlete award while also being named Second-Team All-MAC. One of the Eagles top performers, Lauth was a key fixture on the 1V8+ lineup during the 2025-26 season.
Moriarty (Christchurch, New Zealand/Burnside), a junior, takes her second CRCA Scholar-Athlete award after being named Second-Team All-MAC earlier this past season. One of the most powerful rowers on the roster, Moriarty led the 1V8+ boat throughout the season in the stroke.
Prairie (Clifton, Ill./Bishop McNamara Catholic), a junior, earns her second CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award. A crucial power rower on the team, Prairie helped lead the 1V8+ boat close to the stern during the season.
Zola (Grand Forks, N.D./Red River), a senior, is named a CRCA Scholar-Athlete for the third-straight season. Zola headed the 2V8+ boat as the stroke throughout the season.
For more information on Eastern Michigan rowing, visit EMUEagles.com or follow the team's official Twitter at Twitter.com/EMURowing, on Facebook at Facebook.com/emurowing, and on Instagram at Instagram.com/emurowing.
"Balancing the demands of collegiate rowing and academics requires tremendous commitment, discipline, and support," said Janet Raymer, CRCA Executive Director. "These 1,174 scholar-athletes have demonstrated excellence not only in competition, but also in the classroom. Their achievements reflect the dedication of the student-athletes themselves, as well as the coaches, teammates, faculty, and families who help support their success. The CRCA is proud to recognize their accomplishments."
CRCA Scholar-Athletes are recognized for excellence both academically and athletically. Academically, an athlete must be a sophomore at minimum, and hold a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher throughout the fall and winter semesters. CRCA Scholar-Athletes must have rowed in at least 75% of the team's spring races in an NCAA or IRA (lightweight) eligible boat or competed in an NCAA boat at their Conference Championship or National Championship.
Balcom (Cadillac, Mich./Cadillac), a junior, competed with the Eagles in the first-ever Mid-American Conference Women's Rowing Championship, May 16 as part of the 2V8+ boat, placing fourth. This is her second-straight season being named a CRCA Scholar-Athlete.
Charvat (Three Rivers, Mich./Three Rivers), a junior, is honored as a CRCA Scholar-Athlete for the second-straight season. She competed primarily with the 1V8+ throughout the season.
Junkans (Prairie Farm, Wis./Prairie Farm), a junior competing with the Eagles, joins the CRCA Scholar-Athlete list for her second-straight season. A key contributor for EMU last season, Junkans rowed with the 1V8+ boat.
Latunski (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central), a junior, earns her second consecutive CRCA Scholar-Athlete award. Latunski competed with the 1V8+ boat throughout the season.
Lauth (Grosse Ile, Mich./Grosse Ile), a junior, earns her second-straight CRCA Scholar-Athlete award while also being named Second-Team All-MAC. One of the Eagles top performers, Lauth was a key fixture on the 1V8+ lineup during the 2025-26 season.
Moriarty (Christchurch, New Zealand/Burnside), a junior, takes her second CRCA Scholar-Athlete award after being named Second-Team All-MAC earlier this past season. One of the most powerful rowers on the roster, Moriarty led the 1V8+ boat throughout the season in the stroke.
Prairie (Clifton, Ill./Bishop McNamara Catholic), a junior, earns her second CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award. A crucial power rower on the team, Prairie helped lead the 1V8+ boat close to the stern during the season.
Zola (Grand Forks, N.D./Red River), a senior, is named a CRCA Scholar-Athlete for the third-straight season. Zola headed the 2V8+ boat as the stroke throughout the season.
For more information on Eastern Michigan rowing, visit EMUEagles.com or follow the team's official Twitter at Twitter.com/EMURowing, on Facebook at Facebook.com/emurowing, and on Instagram at Instagram.com/emurowing.
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