The CRCA All-American Awards recognize the most outstanding collegiate rowers and coxswains across all NCAA divisions and the lightweight category. These athletes have demonstrated elite athletic performance, leadership, consistency, and dedication throughout the season, earning distinction among the top rowers in the nation.
This prestigious recognition honors athletes who have contributed significantly to their teams while meeting high standards in competition and training. The All-American teams also serve as the foundation for the selection of Athlete of the Year Finalists—with one ultimate Athlete of the Year selected from each division. Below are the 2025 Athletes of the Year.
Mia Levy, Yale University
“This honor goes 100% to my teammates and coaches on Yale Women’s Crew who have shaped me into the person I am over the last four years. I’ve learned from my teammates every single day about what commitment and drive means, especially from those teammates who never made it into NCAA boats and never got their laurels, but still showed up with such amazing energy and put in the work every single day. My coaches have pushed me to set big goals and taught me how to rally a team around those goals. My team made a decision at the beginning of this year to chase greatness and make our mark in YWC history and it took every single one of us buying in to do that. Our 1V finish happened because of the standard we all set of putting the team before ourselves and pushing each other to be the best we can be. I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has done, not just the accolades but also the culture of trust, support, and passion for the sport that we built together. Thank you for this honor and thank you to my team for everything.” – Mia Levy
“Mia puts the team first; she lifts up her teammates and elevates everyone around her. On top of that she is the purest rowing athlete I have coached, she has physiology, strength, natural length and her blade skills are second to none. She is the total package!” – Coach Will Porter
Sarah Kinlocke, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
“I am honored to receive the Division II Athlete of the Year award. I’d like to thank the D2 Awards Committee for recognizing me with this great honor. As a freshman, I didn’t think this award was even in my reach, but it was possible thanks to my teammates and coaches. This award results from my teammates and coaches’ collective effort, support, and grit, showing up daily through this past season. Being a D2 athlete at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has taught me the true balance of “Student Person Player”, not only are we celebrated for our athletic abilities, but for our character, and academics. This award is just the starting line for me, and I am so excited to keep working hard and persevering to represent Division II and the sport of rowing. Thank you again for this incredible award. I am overwhelmed with gratitude.” – Sarah Kinlocke
“Sarah embodies everything you hope for in a student-athlete: relentless work ethic, unwavering commitment to her teammates, and a competitive drive that lifts everyone around her. The fact that this is her first year on the team makes her impact even more remarkable — she stepped in and led with maturity and purpose from day one. Her contributions have been profound, both on and off the water, and this recognition is a testament to the legacy she’s already begun to build. I couldn’t be more proud of her.” – Coach Grant Maddock
Isabel Mikheev, Williams College
“I’m incredibly grateful to represent Williams with this recognition! Everything we’ve achieved this year is a result of the strides we’ve made toward the team values set out by Coach Paula and Eileen over the past few years. These values are embodied by our most experienced rowers and by our rowers who picked up an oar for the first time at Williams, and I’m so excited to see how the program will continue to grow under the leadership of the entire team.” – Isabel Mikheev
“Isabel led our team this year as co-captain and stroke of the varsity 8+. She pushed every physical and mental limit possible in pursuit of finding the best in herself and the team. She led from a place of trust and love that unlocked her abilities and inspired everyone around her. She earned herself top ranks on our all-time erg record boards and backed it up with impressive speed on the water, an undefeated regular season, and a 2nd place finish at the NCAA Championship. I feel so fortunate to have coached such an amazing student, athlete, and leader.” – Coach Paula Thoms
Cate Barry, Princeton University
“I feel so honored to be named lightweight athlete of the year among such a talented league. None of my successes would be possible without the support of my family, friends, and coaches. I would especially like to thank Coach Paul for always believing in me and pushing me to be my best. Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank my teammates. I have the best teammates in the world, and I am incredibly grateful to have them by my side. They make the countless hours, meters, and strokes more than worth it. Go Tigers!” – Cate Barry
“Cate Barry is one of the most gifted athletes I have ever worked with. She is a true natural talent, but what really sets her apart is her work ethic and dedication to her team. She is the first to put oars out for a morning practice, first to offer words of encouragement in the boat during a practice, and always looking to put in extra work in the tanks, on the erg, or running path. Her love for her team is evident every day of the week. She leads first and foremost through her commitment and passion.” – Coach Paul Rassam
