Louisville Rowing Announces Seven Fall Signees
December 01, 2016 | Rowing
Cardinals welcome Briana Baker, Emily Corso, Micah Dial, Grace Herbert, Madison Meister, Morgan Senogles and Brynna Walchle
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - University of Louisville rowing head coach Derek Copeland announced the signing of seven prep student-athletes during the early signing period in November – Briana Baker, Emily Corso, Micah Dial, Grace Herbert, Madison Meister, Morgan Senogles and Brynna Walchle.
"We are excited to welcome seven high quality athletes to our program next fall. Each of these young women have impressed the coaching staff during the recruiting process and we are confident that they each have the necessary skills, physicality and mindset to thrive as part of the University of Louisville women's rowing team," said Copeland. "They are successful, both on the water and in the classroom, and we have every confidence that they will add to our competitiveness immediately and in the years to come."
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Briana Baker
Hometown: Fort Mitchell, Kentucky
High School: Notre Dame Academy
Parents: Wayne and Tish Lashua
Why She Chose Louisville: "I chose Louisville because it was where I felt at home. I knew that an environment as competitive and intensely determined as Louisville was where I would be able to most effectively grow in my pursuit of my academic and athletic goals. And the team is pretty awesome."
Coach Derek Copeland on Briana: "We are excited to welcome Briana to the team. She encapsulates all that is strong about our program. Namely, she is attracted to the process of getting better each day and rising to challenges placed in front of her. With her experience of racing in fast boats throughout her junior career, we have no doubt that with her consistent positive attitude she will excel here."
Emily Corso
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
High School: Mother of Mercy High School
Parents: Karen and Joe Corso
Why She Chose Louisville: "I chose Louisville because I felt the city of Louisville was a lot like my hometown. My family and my home life have always been very important to me and it was a crucial part of my decision that I felt at home while in college. The moment I stepped foot on Louisville's campus, I felt an immediate sense of belonging and endless support. I am excited to make Louisville my new home for the next four years and expand my family with amazing teammates and coaches."
Coach Derek Copeland on Emily: "Another product of the Cincinnati Juniors Program, Emily brings a maturity to her performance that really stands out for us. A high performer both on the water and in the classroom, Emily is a natural leader and we look forward to helping her continue her development over the next four years."
Micah Dial
Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas
High School: The Woodlands Christian
Parents: Paula and Neil Dial
Why She Chose Louisville: "When I was visiting universities, I was looking for a school that valued academics, athletics and student body involvement in social life. Not only did Louisville fulfill all of those requirements, but it also made me feel like I was already a part of the family there. Spending time with the rowing team at practice and throughout their daily activities really reflected their genuine enthusiasm to be at Louisville, and I'm so excited for the opportunity to experience that."
Coach Derek Copeland on Micah: "Micah made an immediate impression on the coaching staff with her infectious enthusiasm for the sport and for the possibility of rowing at Louisville. She has had good experiences racing in a wide variety of boats at major competitions around the country and that will put her in good stead for the challenges ahead. We are very confident that she will make an excellent addition to the team."
Grace Herbert
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
High School: Holy Names Academy
Parents: Shawn Herbert and Camille Schaefer
Why She Chose Louisville: "Right when I got on the water in Coach Derek's launch on my official visit and started observing Saturday practice, I knew Louisville was where I was going. The grit and intensity of the team and the competitive environment is exactly what I thrive off of and I can't wait to be a part of it for four years. The beautiful campus and wide range of academic majors made the choice even more clear to me, and I couldn't be more excited to be a Cardinal."
Coach Derek Copeland on Grace: "We are very excited to welcome Grace to the team. She has had a strong junior career, and yet she has so much more potential to realize. She is powerful and driven to excel. She was welcomed in during her visit and felt energized watching the team in action. We know that she will put pressure on herself, but will no doubt thrive in the competitive environment we nurture here."
Madison Meister
Hometown: Kailua, Hawaii
High School: Punahou School
Parents: Jeff Meister and Joan Meister
Why She Chose Louisville: "Louisville offers me something I can't find anywhere else. The competitive atmosphere of the team is something that stands out, but what really drew me in was the amazing support system each girl gets from her teammates, coaches and school. "
Coach Derek Copeland on Madison: "Although Maddie has not had a lot of experience with rowing in her native Hawaii, she was hugely impressive to our staff throughout the recruiting process. She has a 'can do' attitude and backs it up with impressive physicality. She has, without a doubt, the 'grittiness' that is required to be successful in this sport, particularly here, and when she came on her visit, she was excited to see how powerful a large team of like-minded women can be. We are excited to see her contribute and grow next year and beyond."
Morgan Senogles
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
High School: Hardin Valley Academy
Parents: Mark Senogles and Stephanie Senogles
Why She Chose Louisville: "I fell in love with the team atmosphere among the young women as soon as I set foot on campus. I felt as if I was home while spending time there. I also love the support given to the athletes to thrive for success in their academic careers. The coaching staff does a phenomenal job with their program. I couldn't ask for a better set up, which is why I feel so blessed to become part of their family."
Coach Derek Copeland on Morgan: "Another rower with limited experience, but with bags of potential and spirit, Morgan has made great strides in the past year since picking up an oar. We were very impressed with her enthusiasm and her dedication to improvement. She sets high standards for herself and for those around her, and as such, she will not only benefit from being around the current team members, but also bring a certain tenacity to the group as a whole."
Brynna Walchle
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
High School: Saint Ursula Academy
Parents: Matt and Shelley Walchle
Why She Chose Louisville: "From my first visit, I felt at home at Louisville. Not only on campus, but at the boathouse and with the coaches. I really felt comfortable with the team and I loved their determination and grit. I also was drawn to the coaching style and the philosophy at Louisville rowing. I knew coming here, I would be surrounded with immense support and great teammates who would be just as dedicated as I am to a sport we share a passion for."
Coach Derek Copeland on Brynna: "Brynna brings an enthusiasm and feeling of excitement to practice. She was quick to feel comfortable in the presence of our team members during her visit and made a strong impression. A product of the highly successful Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club, we know that she will bring that passion to her rowing every day and we look forward to seeing how far she can go."
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