Rye Mayor Josh Nathan honored the nine 2026 varsity national champions in the RowAmerica Rye program on Wednesday, July 15, celebrating the Girls Varsity Eight Boat upon their return from England. The girls, who clinched their third consecutive ‘natty’ on June 14, recently came back from an international regatta – the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta – where the nine girls (eight rowers, one coxswain) were semifinalists.
“This is a tremendous honor, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support,” RowAmerica Rye Director of Rowing Marko Serafimovski told MyRye.com. “While last night’s recognition highlights one championship crew, it’s truly a celebration of the success and dedication of the entire club.”
Between the varsity eight boats on both the boys and girls side of the competitions, RowAmerica Rye has won six national championships in the past four years. They continue to establish a track record of domestic success.
Later this month, fans will have the opportunity to follow along as at least two RowAmerica Rye products compete on the highest international stages. Female rower Claire Van Praagh and male George Dolce will both represent the United States at the U23 World Rowing Championships at the end of July in Duisburg, Germany. Van Praagh, a rising sophomore at Stanford University, competes in the Women’s Coxless Four (4-). Dolce, a rising sophomore at Princeton University, will race in the Men’s Quadruple Sculls (4x).
In addition to the pair of sophomores, Gus Rodrigues, a RowAmerica Rye alum, is currently going through the selection process for the Senior National Team, the highest level of international rowing. At World Cup II, Gus competed in the coxless pair and won a silver medal, finishing behind the current World Champions from New Zealand. Serafimovski hopes Rodrigues will earn a spot on the US national team.
MyRye.com congratulates the Girls Varsity Eight national champions and wishes Van Praagh, Dolce, and Rodrigues the best of luck in the coming days.
