Jun 15, 2025
Competition
Forty-Three National Champions Crowned at the 2025 USRowing Youth National Championships
A total of 43 national champions were crowned on June 15 at the 2025 USRowing Youth National Championships, held at Nathan Benderson Park. With 886 entries from 231 clubs and over 4,000 athletes in attendance, this year’s regatta marked the largest youth championship in event history and one of the most competitive. Semifinals and finals across multiple events came down to photo finishes, highlighting the depth and speed of junior rowing in the U.S.
Powerhouse programs, including Los Gatos Rowing Club, Marin Rowing Association, and RowAmerica Rye, dominated the championships, earning multiple national titles throughout the weekend.
The men’s youth single sculls started the day with a thrilling contest in the middle of the 2,000 meter between Community Rowing’s Simeon John and Potomac Boat Club’s Michael Madigan. Madigan took a strong move to take open water on John, who tried his best to break back into Madigan’s lead but was unable to close the gap. Michael Madigan won gold in a time of 7:09.99, followed by Simeon John in second and Cambridge Boat Club’s Oscar Spencer in third.
In the women’s youth single sculls, Mariia Prodan won for Community Rowing Inc. after a hard-fought battle against a strong field, finishing 5.37 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Avisa Rezaei from First Coast Rowing Club. Prodan, last year’s U17 national champion, is an immigrant from Ukraine who is coached by her father, Anton Prodan. She represented Ukraine at the 2024 U19 World Championships and finished 10th. RowAmerica Greenwich’s Clare Junius finished third.
The men’s coxed four was the most hotly contested final as rowers had to wait to hear the finishing order, as only 1.39 seconds separated the top four crews. Pocock Rowing took the gold, edging out San Diego Rowing Club by only .46 seconds. Belmont Hill snatched bronze from Brooks School Crew, crossing the finish line .29 seconds ahead of the fourth-place finishers.
Los Gatos Rowing Club dominated the quadruple sculls, winning three out of four varsity events. Their men’s youth quad defeated Oregon Rowing Unlimited by 3.37 seconds, with Malvern Prep placing third in 6:15.12. In the women’s second varsity quad, Founders Rowing Club showcased its program’s depth, taking both gold and silver. Their A and B boats were separated by just .41 seconds, with Los Gatos A and B finishing third and fourth.
RowAmerica Rye continued its reign in the eights, repeating as national champions in both the men’s and women’s events. RowAmerica Rye’s women were a step above the rest of the field, winning each of their races by open water. The women's final was a display of dominance, as RowAmerica Rye won the A final in 6:27.47, 5.46 seconds ahead of Newport Aquatic Center.
The men’s eight was a nail-biting finish as the top three had an overlap as they crossed the finish. RowAmerica Rye finished in 5:45.50, followed by Deerfield Academy 1.17 seconds after. Marin Rowing Association closed out the top three in a time of 5:48.08.
Gem City Crew’s Lilian Rodriguez made history once again, winning her third straight national title in the women’s PR2 single sculls. Rodriguez, who holds 11 indoor world records, continues to be a standout in para rowing.
The women’s U17 quadruple sculls came down to inches between gold and silver as Founders Rowing Club beat out Elizabeth City Rowing Club by just .43 seconds. Cooper Junior Rowing Club finished third. On the men’s side, Belen Jesuit Prep took the win in a time of 6:22.22, followed by Cooper Junior Rowing Club in second.
As the 2025 USRowing Youth National Championships ended, the event once again highlighted the incredible talent, dedication, and sportsmanship of the next generation of rowers. From nail-biting photo finishes to commanding wire-to-wire victories, the regatta celebrated the depth and diversity of youth rowing across the country. With record-breaking participation and unforgettable racing, this year’s championship set a new standard for what’s possible in junior rowing.
USRowing congratulates all athletes, coaches, and clubs on an exceptional weekend of competition and looks forward to seeing what’s next as these young athletes continue to chase excellence on and off the water.
Complete list of 2025 National Champions
