Sept. 8, 2010

As the Toreros kick off the 2010-2011 season, twenty additional athletes come aboard with the talent and enthusiasm to continue moving the rowing program to the next level. "I'm proud to introduce our incoming athletes to the Torero family" remarks Coach Cupini "their love for the sport and drive to excel will surely enhance the speed of our entire program."

Allie Coster, from Los Alamitos, CA joins the Toreros from Long Beach Junior Crew. Her most memorable junior rowing experience occurred while placing first at Southwest Regional Championships in the Novice eight as a junior. Choosing USD to pursue engineering, Allie already considers San Diego her second home.

Brianna Lamb, from Marin Rowing Association, joins the Torero varsity squad after a successful junior rowing career. During her time with Marin, Brianna competed in the Varsity 8+ throughout the spring season finishing fourth at the San Diego Crew Classic and second at Southwest Regionals. Choosing USD for the combination of academic excellence and athletic competitiveness, Brianna intends to major in International Business with a minor in Spanish.

Brittany Johnson was a four-year rower competing for Los Gatos Rowing Club. During her junior career, Brittany competed in the Varsity 4 at the Head of the Charles and several sculling and sweep events at the Royal Canadian Henley in 2009. Currently undecided in her major, Brittany spent a great deal of her free time outdoors both recreationally and helping teach at her club's Learn-to-Row camps.

Courtney Olson joins the Torero family from the Los Angeles area. Rowing for Marina Aquatic Center for two years, she placed second at the San Diego Crew Classic in the JV8 event. She chose USD because of the academics, location, and how the team manages to make an incredibly difficult sport fun as well as successful.

Courtney Cronin, a coxswain from Boxford, MA, culminated her junior rowing career at the 2010 Youth National Championship for Essex Rowing Club. Very excited to be leaving the cold New England weather, Courtney made the cross-country drive to college!

Ellycia Halden joins the Toreros as a four-year rower from Xavier Prep. She chose to attend USD for the academic advantages offered as well as her love for rowing.

Erin Bernot is a three-year alumni of Rose City Rowing Club in Portland, Oregon. After dancing competitively for ten years, Erin found her talents related well for the sport of rowing. Intending to major in Architecture and design, Erin also has a love for animals spending her summer working for the Oregon zoo.

Hailey Delay, from Mercer Island, WA, is a graduate from Holy Names Academy and Rowing team. During her four years of rowing experience, Hailey competed at various regattas including the Head of the Charles and San Diego Crew Classic.

Hannah Whitney begins her freshman year at USD intending to pursue medicine. From Phoenix, Arizona, she has spent four years competing for Xavier Prep.

Janelle Oto will begin her freshman year at USD after two years of junior rowing experience with Oakland Strokes. From Dublin, CA Janelle also competed as a swimmer and tennis player.

Jennifer Travis, from Mercer Island, WA, rowed for three years with Mount Baker and culminated her junior career at the 2010 Youth National Championship. She chose USD after witnessing the team's unity and commitment during her official visit. She's currently undecided in her intended major at this point in time. Kayley Watson joins the Toreros after rowing with Oakland Strokes. She is experienced with both sculling and sweep rowing having made the final at Southwest Regionals in the quad. Although undecided in a major, Kayley spent three weeks of her summer in Haiti doing relief work after the devastating earthquake.

Kierra Hines, from Saratoga Rowing Association in New York, transitions to collegiate rowing after five years of junior coxing experience. Training year-round with her crew, she's won 4 state gold medals, a silver from nationals, and numerous bronze and silver medals from Canadian Nationals.

Kelly Griggs, from Galloway, New Jersey, joins the Toreros from Holy Spirit High School. Finishing first at Brigantine Erg Sprints, Kelly has both the power and technique to transition well into collegiate athletics.

Madison Browning, from Kirkland, WA comes to USD from Sammamish Rowing Association. As a Head of the Lake champion, Madison chooses to row for the motivation towards success the sport promotes. As an outdoor lover, Madison will be right at home in San Diego.

Michelle Ruben is a Sacramento native who coxed for Capital Crew for 4 years. The intense atmosphere or rowing and connection to teammates are what's drawn her into the rowing community. She hopes to study Communications as she has a serious interest in becoming a news anchor. Being the youngest of three, she's had the fortunate opportunity of traveling to five continents. Michelle is excited to be a part of the Torero crew team and can't wait to get back out on the water!

Nora Hedgecock, from Santa Monica, California is a four-year rower from the Marina Aquatic Center in Marina del Rey. Intending to pursue a career in Health Science, Nora chose USD for its smaller class sizes and academic reputation

Rachel Forseth is transferring to USD to pursue a major in communications and a minor in Peace and Justice Studies. She is driven to pursue her passion towards international work and human rights. Spending the summer rowing for the San Diego Rowing Club, Rachel's athleticism will make her a great fit for the varsity team.

Shelby Sellers, from North Bend Washington, is joining the Toreros from Sammamish Rowing Association. Formerly a basketball player, Shelby spent two years rowing with Sammamish before choosing USD.

Victoria Ross, from Bellevue, WA highlights her rowing career competing for Sammamish Rowing Association at the Head of the Charles. She intends to study nursing while completing a minor in Spanish. Her love for yoga and music will make her right at home at USD.

The Toreros return to training during September to prepare for their fall racing season. The schedule kicks off on October 30th at the Head of the American in Rancho Cordova, CA where their distance training will be tested against top Pac-10 crews.