Piersma and Rostad Named 2026 USRowing Under 19 Athletes of the Year

USRowing is pleased to announce that John Piersma (Cincinnati, Ohio/Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club) has been named the 2026 USRowing Under 19 National Team Male Athlete of the Year, while Sophie Rostad (Milwaukee, Wisc./Milwaukee Rowing Club) has been selected as this year's USRowing Under 19 National Team Female Athlete of the Year.

Selected by the athletes and coaches of the team that competed at the 2026 World Rowing Under 19 Championships, Piersma and Rostad will be recognized at the 2026 Golden Oars Gala in November.

John Piersma from Cincinnati Junior Rowing was a member of the U.S. Under 19 National Team in 2025 and 2026, representing the United States in the men's four that finished sixth at the 2026 World Rowing Under 19 Championships. His commitment and contributions to the team over the past two years helped make him a standout member of the U19 National Team.

“I am so incredibly grateful to be named the U19 Male Athlete of the Year,” said John Piersma. “It is an honor to be named to this position by my coaches and teammates, all of whom pushed me into becoming the best version of myself.”

“It is such a privilege to have been able to train for and represent Team USA these past two years. Thank you to my teammates and coaches of the men’s fours in 2025 and 2026. Your relentless effort and unyielding support were everything I could have asked for and more, and I could not have achieved this without you.”

“Thank you to the whole team at the Cincinnati Jr. Rowing Club, especially my coach Greg Hull. Rowing with Greg and my teammates played an enormous role in developing me not only as an oarsman but also as an individual, and I cannot express enough gratitude for your support.”

“Most importantly, thank you to my parents for driving me to be great. You’ve supported me every step along the journey, and thank you to my sister, Ella Jo, who’s been an inspiration to me for my entire life."

Sophie Rostad was also a member of the U.S. Under 19 National Team, representing the United States at the 2026 World Rowing Under 19 Championships. A rower at the Milwaukee Rowing Club, Rostad's dedication and leadership helped make her an integral part of the U19 National Team. She stroked the women’s four to a fourth place finish overall. 

“I am beyond honored to be selected as the U19 USRowing Female Athlete of the Year,” said Sophie Rostad. “While hard work and personal sacrifices were made, this achievement is far from my own. It is truly a combination of my friends, family, teammates, and coaches that have continually supported me.”

"To my parents and family, who have embraced my career in this sport with unwavering love and dedication, without you this could not have been possible and for that I owe endless gratitude. To my teammates and coaches at The Milwaukee Rowing Club thank you for guiding me and creating a special team. I am incredibly privileged to have represented Milwaukee on the international level.”

“Finally, to the friends that I have made this past summer, I could not picture a more spirited group of athletes. I treasure the culture we created on and off the water. And especially my boatmates, along with Coach Caitlin, you have shown true dedication, I will forever cherish the moments that I got to row alongside you. Thank you USRowing I am excited to see what the future holds!”

The announcements for the U23 athletes will be later this week. Senior and Para Athletes of the Year will be in October. The Beach Sprint Athletes of the Year will be announced following the Beach Sprint Finals at the end of October. 

USRowing would like to thank HUDSON, the Official Boat Supplier for the U.S. Under 19 and Under 23 National Team. Through the partnership, HUDSON supplies racing shells for selection and training domestically, with matched shells provided internationally for racing.