2025 SRAA National Championship – Girl’s Varsity Quad Preview

The SRAA (Scholastic Rowing Association of America) is one of two rowing championships held in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area each Spring to celebrate and promote junior rowing and to end the Spring competitive season with final results, rankings and postseason standings and awards. The Stotesbury Cup was scheduled last week, but a major rain event on Friday made the Schuylkill River dangerous, with race officials wisely suspending weekend side-by-side racing and moving to a Friday time trial-only format for final rankings and awards. Hopefully, the weather will improve and a full regatta format supporting the SRAA this weekend on the Cooper River.

The SRAA started in 1935 to foster schoolboy rowing and to stage an annual regatta open to the world. Every year since May 1935, with a few exceptions (WW2, Covid-19), the regatta has been held. Women started racing in 1974, and the regatta has grown in events and athletes yearly. This year, over 135 clubs will race in 28 different events.

Waterford Crew

Returning to defend their first-place victory in 2024, Waterford Crew returns to The SRAA and The Cooper River with speed, culture and a legacy of speed. Coach Daniel Salem’s quad made the trip from Utah to race at the championship level against the very best programs in a championship format.

The Agnes Irwin School

The Agnes Irwin School placed 2nd in the Stotesbury time trials last weekend on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. Always one of the top programs, the Agnes Irvin program placed second last Friday at the Stotesbury time trials, showing their championship preparedness. This will be their opportunity to hit the top of the podium. Always consistent and focused.

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy finished 4th at the Stotesbury Cup time trials last weekend, but showed they have the boat speed and poise to move their quad with the very best programs. Coach Julia Rorer rowed, trained and coached for years in the Philadelphia area and has her quads ready to make the jump to the SRAA podium.

Conestoga

Conestoga placed 2nd in 2024 in this event behind Waterford. Both quads now return with Conestoga experienced in the Stotesbury time trials last weekend, placing top 8. Both quads have experience, speed and endurance to their credit. Conestoga rows out of the legendary Bachelors’ Barge Club on Boathouse Row on the Schuylkill River, Philadelphia. Coach Bailey Chick and her coaching staff will have this quad more than ready to race and row this year with eyes on the top podium position and beyond.

Prediction:

Waterford will not disappoint and should shine in their race day execution. Look to a decisive win that serves this programme, athletes and coaches. Exceptional execution is demonstrated when this crew is in sided by side race race formats. The Agnes Irwin School, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, and Conestoga will share the podium for the 2025 SRAA.