Seven Ink National Letters of Intent With UMass Rowing

AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts rowing welcomed seven newcomers to the program on Friday, announcing the National Letters of Intent of Julia Carter, Lilla Caton, Callie Coady, Natalie DiLeo, Mary Koelsch, Karin Michel and Meaghan Miner. All will officially join UMass beginning in the 2018-19 year.

"UMass Rowing is delighted to announce the signing of these seven talented women from across the country," said head coach Jim Dietz. "We've always been a program who values and actively recruits athletes with the ability to move big boats in addition to those who continue to develop their small boat craft. The Class of 2022 certainly demonstrates their ability to do so in an athletic setting, in addition to demonstrating a strong commitment to their academics.

"We are confident these women will boost the athletic and academic reputation of our program going forward. We welcome these young women and their families to the UMass family!"

Meet The Newest Minutewomen
Name: Julia Carter
Hometown: Methuen, Massachusetts
High School: Methuen High School
Club Program: Essex Rowing Club
Height: 5-9
Notes: During her junior year, placed second in the Women's Junior 4x at both the respective MPSRA and New Hampshire state championships ... Won the Women's Junior 4x as a sophomore at the MPSRA State Championships ... Was named Team MVP following her junior campaign and will captain both her high school and club teams in the spring ... Had a 2K personal-best time of 7:36.6 as a junior ... Earned academic honors each year of high school ... Is interested in pursuing public health at UMass.
Associate Head Coach Andrea Landry on Carter: "Our interest in Julia not only comes from her small boat successes, but started when she said she was 'looking for a program who will push her out of her comfort zone.' Her driven nature as well as her constructive, productive approach to testing and competing will positively impact the program over her four years!"
Carter on UMass: "I chose UMass because of the feeling I got when I first went on the campus. Immediately seeing how large it was I felt like it would offer me everything I wanted in a college–new people, new opportunities, and unique places to explore. What really sealed the deal for choosing UMass was the team and girls I met. Even though they barely knew me when I first met them, they still acted as if I were their teammate and friend which made me realize that this is where I fit in."

Name: Lilla Caton
Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.
High School: Harpeth Hall School
Club Program: Nashville Juniors
Height: 5-10
Notes: Was part of the Women's Youth 8+ crew that finished 10th at the 53rd Head of the Charles this past October in Boston ... Competed in the Women's Youth 4+ which took first at the 2017 Head of the Hooch in Chattanooga, Tennessee ... That Head of the Hooch finish proceeded a Women's Youth 8+ title at the 2016 iteration of the regatta ... Also part of of the Youth 8+ crew that claimed the top spot at Southeast Regionals during her junior year ... As a sophomore, competed in both the U17 8+ and Novice 8+ boats at Southeast Regionals, taking first in both races ... Academically is interested in engineering.
Landry on Caton: "As our first signee of the year, we are thrilled Lilla will be joining the program here at UMass after developing her skillset at Nashville Rowing. We appreciate Lilla's dedication and commitment to her speed on the water in addition to her studies and are confident she will dedicate herself to and excel in the student-athlete lifestyle as an engineering major."
Caton on UMass: "I could picture myself at UMass and had a gut feeling that this is where I want to be for the next four years. I also really liked the unique attitude and culture of the team and coaches at UMass."

Name: Callie Coady
Hometown: Bradford, Mass.
High School: Haverhill High School
Club Program: Greater Lawrence Rowing
Height: 5-11
Notes: Was part of the 2V8 crew that was sixth in the final at the Northeast Youth Championships as a junior ... During her junior year, had a 2K personal-best time of 7:36.8 and a 10K PR of 42:33.5 ... Outside of rowing, excelled in swimming & diving at Haverhill High School as a four-year letter winner and captain during her senior season ... Four-time state championship qualifier in Massachusetts ... Selected to the Merrimack Valley Conference All-Conference Team as a junior and the Merrimack Valley Conference All-Star Team as a senior ... Is undecided on an academic concentration.
Landry on Coady: "Callie comes from a competitive swimming background in addition to rowing competitively with Greater Lawrence Rowing. Her kind spirit, yet aggressive drive makes her a force to be reckoned with on and off the water. We look forward to transferring Callie's power to the pocket off the blade."
Coady on UMass: "I chose UMass for multiple reasons. When I came out for my official visit, I immediately fell in love with the campus. I felt that UMass would be the best school to push me to be my best both academically and as an athlete. The girls on the team were so nice and got along like a family and I knew that that was something that I wanted to be a part of."

Name: Natalie DiLeo
Hometown: Fairfield, Conn.
High School: Fairfield Warde High School
Club Program: Saugatuck Rowing Club
Notes: As a junior was part of an eighth-place crew at the San Diego Crew Classic in the Men's Lightweight 8+ ... Placed 10th at Youth Nationals in the Men's Lightweight 8+ ... The previous year, turned in a 16th place effort at Youth Nationals in the Men's Lightweight 8+ ... Intends to major in political science.
Landry on DiLeo: "Natalie commands attention on the water. Listening to the tone and delivery of her words unconsciously prompts you to sit up a bit taller and get the blade that much quicker. Her leadership, maturity, and skillset on the water will assist in furthering our mission to be more competitive on the national platform. Natalie's experience working with both the men's program and master's team at Saugatuck has prepared her well for the challenging yet rewarding student-athlete lifestyle at UMass, and we look forward to working with her to enhance her skillset in the future."
DiLeo on UMass: "The team is so incredibly welcoming and I loved the coaching staff immediately. I know that I will be able to not only grow as an athlete but I will be able to get a great education that will serve me a lifetime."

Name: Mary Koelsch
Hometown: Cherry Hill, N.J.
High School: Cherry Hill High School West
Club Program: South Jersey Rowing Club
Height: 6-0
Notes: During her junior year, went to Youth Nationals in the 4x as stroke seat ... Was the only junior in a boat of seniors ... Competed in the 2x the Head of the Charles as a sophomore ... Was fifth at the 2016 Club Nationals in the U17 1x ... Clocked a 2K personal-best time of 7:44 in February 2017 and a 6K PR of 24:54 in November 2016 ... Is interested in pursuing biology.
Landry on Koelsch: "Mary dances across the water in a 1x, making competitive small boat rowing look effortless. We are confident Mary will assist the program in earning top finishes not only in the big boats, but in small boats at the Head of the Charles or Collegiate Small Boat Challenge. We are excited to watch her make an immediate impact on the success of the program as the 'utility person' in the fall of 2018."
Koelsch on UMass: "I chose UMass because of the strong biology program, and beautiful campus. I chose UMass rowing because of the positive team dynamic, excellent coaches, and the focus on sculling as well as sweeping."

Name: Karin Michel
Hometown: Kirkland, Wash.
High School: Juanita High School
Club Program: Pocock Rowing
Height: 5-9
Notes: Was part of a V8 boat that went to Youth Nationals during her junior season ... Also competed in the Lightweight 8 at Youth Nationals as a sophomore ... Outside of rowing, was a standout swimmer at Juanita High School ... Named a team captain for her senior season ... All-State swimmer both as a junior and senior ... Member of the National Honor Society ... Interested in English and pre-law as areas of academic interest.
Landry on Michel: "Karin hails from Pocock Rowing in Seattle, Washington and is also a talented swimmer and captain. Karin is able to articulate the technical aspects of our sport well and we are certain she will benefit from our systematic way of approaching the rowing stroke. We feel her maturity and academic discipline will also add to our culture of hard work!"
Michel on UMass: "I chose UMass because it was beautiful and felt like a second home as soon as I stepped on campus. Everyone was so welcoming, the food was great and I know that at UMass I'll continue to grow as an athlete and as a student."

Name: Meaghan Miner
Hometown: Castle Pines, Colo.
High School: St. Mary's Academy
Club Program: Mile High Rowing Club
Height: 5-11
Notes: Serving as Mile High captain as a senior ... Named the Most Valuable Novice following her freshman year ... Mile High has sent at least one boat to Youth Nationals each of the last three years ... Sent a Women's Lightweight 8+ and Men's 4x to Youth Nationals during her junior season ... Had a Women's Lightweight 8+ and 2- compete as Youth Nationals during her freshman year ... Is a two-time Academic Excellence Award recipient ... Interested in public health as an academic track.
Landry on Miner: "Meaghan's background at Mile High Rowing Club and camps she's attended will prepare her for a successful weekend of racing with UMass. Meghan's athletic versatility and charismatic nature will enhance the culture of our program greatly. She will be joining a large group on the team in the Health Sciences track."
Miner on UMass: "I chose to go to UMass because I really loved the feel of the school and I could see myself there. I also loved how committed the girls on the team were and the support they received from the coaches and athletic department."

Follow UMass rowing on Twitter (@UMassRowing), Facebook (UMass Rowing) and Instagram (umass_rowing) for the latest news and updates around the team.

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