Parsons and Serra Named 2026 USRowing Under 23 Athletes of the Year

USRowing is pleased to announce that Yale University’s Timmy Parsons (Eugene, Ore.) has been named the 2026 USRowing Under 23 National Team Male Athlete of the Year, while Harvard University’s Kathryn Serra (Miami, Fla.) has been selected as this year’s USRowing Under 23 National Team Female Athlete of the Year.

Selected by the athletes and coaches of the team that competed at the 2026 World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Duisburg, Germany, Parsons and Serra will be recognized at the 2026 Golden Oars Gala on November 5.

Parsons capped his fourth consecutive U23 World Championships appearance with a bronze medal in the men’s four, racing alongside Kian Aminian, Jordan Dykema, and Tobias Finn. The U.S. crew secured the bronze medal behind Great Britain and Australia. The result marked the second consecutive year the United States earned a medal in the men’s four. 

A six-time national team member, Parsons first represented the United States at the U19 level in 2021 and 2022 before making his U23 debut in 2023. 

"I am so honored to have been selected as the 2026 U23 Men’s Athlete of the Year,” said Timmy Parsons. “The caliber of athletes, my teammates, this summer was unmatched to any other national team I have been a part of. Not only the quality of athletes on the water but the quality of athletes as people. This year’s team was a true privilege to be a part of. I want to say a big thank you to the coaches at camp that fostered and promoted that culture and environment, Sergio Espinoza, Trevor Michelson, Noah Axford, and especially Andrew Hess who has been coaching me since my first Jr National team. I have separately worked with all four of these coaches over the past few years so it really meant a lot to have them all together leading the team.”

“I also want to thank my coaches at Yale, Andy Card and Ned DelGuercio. Throughout my 4 years at school, they have always supported me wholeheartedly in my national team endeavors. They have encouraged and supported my growth as an athlete and a person.”

Kathryn Serra made history in 2026 as a member of the U.S. women’s quadruple sculls that won gold at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships. Racing alongside Sumner Kerr, Madison Kieft, and Lila Henn, Serra helped the crew to the first U.S. medal in the women’s quadruple sculls at the U23 World Championships since 2007. The 2026 championship was Serra’s third U23 World Championships.

“This award means everything to me, in part because of how unexpected this summer was,” said Kathryn Serra.” I was a little hesitant to try sculling after so many years, and I definitely could not have imagined that stepping out of my comfort zone would lead to winning a gold medal at U23 Worlds! I am so thankful to Coach Brett Gorman (USRowing) and Coach Claire Ochal (Harvard-Radcliffe) for encouraging me and believing in me every step of the way.”

“One of the most special parts about this summer was being surrounded by a team of athletes who were willing to give absolutely everything for one another. Although we came from different universities, we all shared the same commitment and willingness to dive into the pain cave and stay there as long as we needed to. Being part of that environment showed me what happens when such a special group shows up for each other, refusing to back down. We all came from different places, but in the boat, when we heard the National Anthem played, and watched our flag being raised, we were one.”

“I am especially thankful for my incredible teammates, Sumner, Maddie, and Lila, who made this experience so much more than a 2k race. In just a few weeks, we developed a deep level of trust and friendship that I will carry forever. Our coach, Lizzie Mitchell, believed in us from the very beginning and never let us forget what we were capable of. She pushed us to raise the standard in such a joyful and motivating way, and I could not be more grateful that she was the person coaching us.”

“I want to thank Coach Sergio and everyone else at USRowing who made this opportunity possible. And of course, I am indebted to my family, who has been my rock through every part of my rowing journey.”

“Looking back, I could not imagine having spent my summer any other way, and I am so grateful for all the ways it challenged me, surprised me, and reminded me to trust that God is always working behind the scenes in ways I could never expect . What started as stepping outside of my comfort zone became one of the most memorable experiences of my career, and I am so grateful for everyone who made it possible.”

The announcements for the 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.