U.S. Ready to Compete at the 2025 Under 23 World Rowing Championships in Poland

The stage is set in Poznań, Poland, as rowers from around the globe gather for the 2025 World Rowing Under 23 Championships. Among them is a determined U.S. squad, eager to contend for world championships. 

Racing kicks off Wednesday, July 23, with practice, the spares races, and the opening heats in several categories, including the men’s lightweight single sculls, pair, double sculls, and both men’s and women’s fours. Thursday continues with heats in the men’s lightweight double sculls, quadruple sculls, and the men’s and women’s eights.

Friday features C and D Finals in select events, along with pivotal semifinals in the lightweight single sculls, pair, double sculls, and four. Saturday will bring more semifinal action in the quadruple sculls and eights, followed by A and B Finals in the pair, double sculls, four, and lightweight single sculls. The regatta will culminate on Sunday with the B Finals in the lightweight men’s double sculls, quadruple sculls, and eights—and the highly anticipated A Finals in the quadruple sculls, lightweight double sculls, and eights.

The United States enters the competition with a 43-athlete roster, representing 18 states and 21 colleges and universities. Of those, 15 rowers are making their debut on the national team, while 14 return to the Under 23 stage after competing in St. Catharines, Canada. In 2024, the U.S. brought home five medals, including one gold and four silvers.

This year, the U.S. is racing in nine events: seven men’s and two women’s. These include the men’s lightweight single sculls, double sculls, lightweight double sculls, pair, four, quadruple sculls, and eight, along with the women’s four and eight. The selection process emphasized pairing athletes to boats that best highlight their individual and collective strengths, with a continued focus on technical excellence and boat-moving efficiency.

“Sarah Trowbridge and I are very excited about these championships and are ready to get racing,” said Sergio Espinoza, head men’s coach. “We’ve had a great summer. We have a talented group of athletes and coaches who’ve worked hard and embraced every challenge. A huge thank you to the Riversport Foundation for hosting us. Go USA!”

Returning to the men’s pair are Adam Pushner and Colton Millar, who set a new American record in the event last summer and are aiming to improve on their fifth-place finish.

The women’s four is another formidable U.S. entry, blending rising talent with seasoned experience. Ellie Smith and Phoebe Wise make the leap from the U19 national team, bringing proven international racing chops. Quincy Stone returns for her fourth national team appearance, and second at the U23 level, adding depth and leadership to the crew. Rounding out the lineup is Allie Alton, a national champion from the University of Texas.

Sam Sullivan, the 2024 U23 Male Athlete of the Year, will be racing in the men’s four with Wilson Morton, with whom he won silver in the men’s eight last year. Newcomers Ryan Martin and Lyle Donovan from the University of Washington will be joining them.

The men’s quadruple sculls crew is poised for a standout performance, with all four athletes holding previous national team experience. Timmy Parsons returns after placing seventh in last year’s lightweight single sculls. James Fetter, eighth in the men’s single sculls, and John Patton, 14th in the double, also return. They are joined by Davis Kelly, making his U23 debut following a bronze medal in the men’s eight at the 2022 U19 World Championships.

In the women’s eight, the crew is packed with seasoned athletes. Five of the nine are returning national team members, four of whom helped earn silver in this event last year. Ella Wheeler joins the crew after winning back-to-back U19 world titles, while Natalie Hoefer makes her third appearance on the U23 national team.

All races can be tracked live, and video streaming will be available on Saturday, beginning with the semifinals. A detailed racing schedule can be found here (all times are in Central European Summer Time).