SPRING ‘24 COACHES REPORT – WOMEN

FINAL AND FOREVER PAC-12 CHAMPIONS

By Derek Byrnes, Stanford Women’s Head Coach

Another spring season has come and gone, and what a ride it was! Each race presented a unique set of challenges, from weather to competitors in new locations. We saw the largest shipping port on the western seaboard, the historical suburbs of rural Virginia, the hat–slinging middle of Texas, and all the joy that Ohio has to offer. May have even been many people's first time racing at sunset. Our first two races of the spring were delayed due to weather conditions, so we found ourselves racing to cross the finish line before we ran out of light. As a coaching staff, it’s something we personally really enjoyed, not sure about it athletically though. Regardless, the team threw down, in what can only be described as a resilient and flexible season of speed.

There were lots of wins and some educational losses that pushed this group to drum up their inner warriors, something they do well. One of the most exciting accomplishments this season was becoming the FINAL and FOREVER PAC–12 Champions, in every single race that went down at Lake Natoma this year. While the Pac–12 dissolves into the archives, Stanford women will hold all the trophies forever.

The battles the team faced throughout the season brought our team to an overall 2nd place team finish at the NCAA. While some might deem this achievement a success, for this team, it’s a little bittersweet. Their expectations are high, driven by a culture of excellence and relentless pursuit of their ultimate goals. Yet, amidst the undertone of disappointment, there’s a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for the hard–fought battles and inspiring performances. I mean, our Second 8 showed the rowing world how to be a force of undeniable prowess. The varsity had maybe their best race of the season on that Sunday, and the four pushed up one spot from last year. We had a heck of a lot of fun this year, and it can only be summed up by the words of Dolly via Belle Battistoni’s theme/hype song; “working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living!”

Seeing so many parents and supporters come out this season was heartwarming, but also very telling that SWC goes well beyond the blades in the water. It’s a testament to the passion and camaraderie that define this team – a group of incredible individuals united by their love for speed. There will always be a place for the cowbells (we now own a lot of cowbells) and fan–gear on the trailer for you (literally we had a large box of cowbells on the trailer people, so please when you arrive at the course ask for a cowbell)! To all our supporters, whether cheering from the sidelines or decking out in SWC gear, your unwavering dedication means the world to us. Thank you for standing by us, flying all across the county to watch us race (get ready to rack up frequent flyer mileage next year as we travel to Knoxville, Austin and Clemson), for showing up when it mattered most, and for entrusting us with your remarkable children. Together, we’ll continue to push boundaries, chase dreams, and storm the castle.

Now, as we celebrate graduation here on The Farm, our attention shifts to Paris, the stage for the 2024 Olympics – a pinnacle of athletic achievement, where aspirations transform into reality, and a number of our rowing alums get to live out their dream.

Just a refresher…

Azja Czajkowski, USA, pair (2–)

Esther Briz Zamarano, SPAIN, pair (2–)

Emily Delleman, USA, quad (4x)

Cece Dupre, SWITZERLAND, quad (4x)

To Azja, Esther, Emily, and Cece: your contributions to SWC are immeasurable, and as you prepare to embark on this extraordinary adventure, know that we stand beside you with boundless enthusiasm. May your Olympic journey be filled with unforgettable moments and unparalleled success. Embrace every moment of this incredible journey. Your hard work, dedication, and passion have brought you to this extraordinary stage. Believe in yourself, trust your training, and compete with all your heart. Remember, you’re not just representing yourself but also your country, your team, and all those who have supported you along the way. Make every stride, every stroke, every move count. Regardless of the outcome, know that you’ve already achieved something remarkable by simply being there. Cherish this experience, savor every second, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Go out there and shine! I’d like to say that we shift from coaches to the biggest fans, but really that’s just what we are all the time. We are the biggest fans of Stanford Women’s Rowing, so proud, so grateful, and so excited for the future. Thank you all for joining in this ride, enjoy your summer, make sure to watch the Olympics, congrats to all our graduating seniors and their epic jobs, see you in a few months, and… GO CARD!

– Coaches of SWC

SWC with Tara Vanderveer (center), who was the head women's basketball coach at Stanford University from 1985 until her retirement in 2024. Vanderveer joined in on a recent practice (and even hopped in the boat for a stretch!)