Nine SMU Rowing Team Members Named CRCA Scholar-Athletes
Nine members of the Southern Methodist University (SMU) rowing team were recognized as Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) Scholar-Athletes in a 2023 announcement, according to the CRCA’s official release. The honor, awarded to student-athletes who excel academically and athletically, highlights the program’s commitment to excellence, as reported by SMU Athletics.
CRCA Scholar-Athlete Honors for SMU Rowing Team
The CRCA, a national organization supporting rowing coaches and athletes, selected the nine Mustangs based on their academic achievements and athletic performance. The recipients include Ruby Thompson, Emily Rivera, and other team members, though the full list was not immediately available from the CRCA’s public announcement. SMU’s athletics department emphasized the recognition as a testament to the program’s balance of academic rigor and competitive success.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our student-athletes to both their studies and their sport,” said SMU Head Rowing Coach Mark Reynolds in a statement. “We are proud of their hard work and the standards they set for excellence.”
Criteria for Selection and Program Impact
To qualify for the CRCA Scholar-Athlete designation, athletes must maintain a minimum 3.30 cumulative grade-point average and demonstrate leadership in their sport. The award is one of the most prestigious in collegiate rowing, with over 1,200 student-athletes nationwide receiving the honor in 2023, according to the CRCA’s annual report.
SMU’s rowing program, which competes in the Big 12 Conference, has seen a steady rise in academic and athletic performance. In 2022, the team earned a 3.18 GPA across all members, surpassing the conference average of 3.05, as noted by the Big 12 Conference Office.
Why This Matters for SMU Athletics
The recognition underscores SMU’s broader emphasis on academic achievement in its athletic programs. In 2023, the university reported a 92% graduation rate for student-athletes, above the national average of 87% for Division I schools, according to the NCAA’s 2022-2023 report. This aligns with SMU’s strategic focus on “academic excellence and athletic competitiveness,” as outlined in its 2021-2026 athletic development plan.
Previous CRCA honorees from SMU include 2021 recipient Sarah Lin, who later earned a scholarship to the University of Washington’s graduate program in sports management. Such outcomes highlight the long-term benefits of the award for athletes’ academic and professional trajectories.
Looking Ahead for SMU Rowing
The 2023-2024 season marks a pivotal year for SMU’s rowing program, which aims to expand its roster and improve its national rankings. The team’s upcoming schedule includes competitions at the 2024 NCAA Division I Rowing Championships, where academic and athletic performance will be under close scrutiny.
As SMU continues to prioritize academic-athletic integration, the CRCA recognition serves as a benchmark for its ongoing efforts. “We’re building a culture where success in the classroom and on the water go hand in hand,” Reynolds said. “This award is a step forward in that journey.”
CRCA Official Announcement | SMU Athletics