Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Holds A Special Place in Heart for Women’s Rowing By Ed Levin The Georgetown University women’s rowing program coaches have always preached the importance of history and how past teams have always paved the way for future teams. One important piece of history has been the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. Prior to the NCAA women’s rowing championship being added in 1998, the Dad Vail Regatta served as a championship for many years. During those years, the Hoyas experienced success at the Dad Vail winning the Women’s Varsity Open Weight Eight race three times (1983, 1987,1993). The lightweight team has had their own success in the Open weight race with back-to-back runner up finishes in 2022 and 2023. “During those years, the program found great success and it is special to return to the regatta with hopes of continuing such a strong legacy,’ said Head Coach Kendall Mulligan. Women’s lightweight coach Abbey Wilkowski added, “Dad Vail's hold a special place with our team. It is not only an opportunity for some great speed and racing to be showcased, but it is close to home for a lot of our athletes. Being able to race in Philly, or even near it with the move to Cooper, allows many of our athlete’s families to come cheer them on over two great days of racing. This race has become a staple of our program and we look forward to it every year.” For the first time since 2019 (mostly due to scheduling conflicts), Georgetown will bring their lightweight and Open weight women’s teams and look to continue the legacy they have built with hopes of adding new memories. Mulligan said, “The Open weight women are excited to return to the Dad Vail. Having last competed in the Dad Vail as a full team in 2019 and then as a small covid restricted squad of only 10 athletes in 2021, this will be an exciting first run at the regatta for the majority of our athletes. Additionally, it continues to give our athletes a championships experience before the Patriot League Championship, held the following weekend on 5/17 also on the Cooper River. The women also remain excited to build on the legacy of those that came before us and competed at the Dad Vail. As Georgetown Women's Rowing comes up on its 50th anniversary celebration in 2025-2026, the team has connected with alumni and heard the thrilling stories of competitive races over years past.” With the Dad Vail less than three weeks away, the Hoyas hope to build on what they did in the fall that continued into the winter where they continued to develop with hopes their hard work will transition into success in the spring. The 85th Annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Coca-Cola will be staged on the Cooper River, in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey on Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11. GEORGETOWN
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