Feb. 28, 2011

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Seniors Emily Crosby (Middletown, N.J.), Stephanie Gretsch (Downers Grove, Ill.) and Carol Ann Michel (Princeton, N.J.) have been named women’s rowing team tri-captains for the 2010-11 campaign, it was announced today by head rowing coach Martin Stone.

“While these three will serve as captains for the upcoming season, I am really happy with how our senior class as a whole has led the team so far this year,” said Stone. “They have been tremendous leaders this year and I have been extremely happy with how they have handled that role.”

Crosby enters her senior year after spending each of her first three seasons as a member of either the second varsity eight or varsity eight boat. This past season she served as one of the mainstays in the varsity eight boat, helping it capture the gold medal at the BIG EAST Championships along with claiming fourth in the Petite Finals at the Central/South Sprints. The three-time monogram winner also has been named a two-time BIG EAST Academic All Star selection in her time within the program.

“Being named a captain alongside Carol Ann and Steph is a huge honor, especially since all of our seniors were such phenomenal leaders by example all year,” said Crosby. “I’m very excited to represent the team and help lead us in what’s going to be a great season.”

Gretsch enters her senior season having risen through the ranks within the team. During her freshman year she competed with the novice eight before moving up to the varsity four during sophomore year and the varsity eight last season. A two-time monogram winner and BIG EAST Academic All Star, Gretsch also was named to the 2010 College Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) All-Central Region team and also named a CRCA National Scholar Athlete.

“I feel honored to have been named one of the captains this season,” stated Gretsch. “I have such great respect for all of my teammates, so being voted into this role by them means a lot to me.”

Michel competed with the second varsity eight boat for a majority of the past three seasons before rowing with the main varsity eight boat during the fall races in 2010. Along with helping the second varsity eight boat to three straight gold medals at the BIG EAST Championships, Michel also is a two-time monogram winner.

“After three awesome years of rowing under Coach Stone, I was thrilled to be voted captain,” said Michel. “My teammates and I are all looking forward to a successful 2011 rowing season filled with many hours of hard work, lots of fun and many wins.”

The Irish are approaching their spring season opener as they take on both Alabama and Minnesota on March 13 in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

–ND–