WILLIAMSBURG— The Williamsburg Boat Club recently returned from 2026 USRowing Mid-Atlantic Youth Championships where they successfully qualified five boats to the national championships.
The regatta featured more than 2,300 rowers, 61 teams and more than 550 entries from Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey competing for spots at the national level.
Five Williamsburg Boat Club boats qualified for the next round at one of the nation’s most competitive youth rowing regattas.
The women’s U17 4x of Penelope Thomas, Eleanore Fornshell, Jaya Ananthram and Estelle Miller placed second to qualify. Lauren Inge finished second in the women’s U17 1x, and the women’s second varsity 4x of Lilly Reuter, Annie Cornish, Evie Mortier and Seva Ananthram placed third to advance.
The men’s U16 4x+ of Emily Imperial, Andrew Grable, Jack Bulich, Grayson Johnson and Russell Hicks placed third to qualify. The men’s second varsity 2x of Jimmy Fornshell and Ben Oostra also placed third. The women’s varsity 4x of Lauren Inge, Annabelle Shultz, Mary Kate Sabol and Brynn Spicer finished fourth to earn a qualifying spot.
“We are incredibly proud of our athletes and everything they have accomplished this season,” said Kriz. “These athletes have balanced demanding academic schedules while committing themselves to long practices, travel and year-round training.”
Kriz, who has been at the helm of the club for one year, added that she has seen significant progress.
“We have a great mix of experienced athletes and younger rowers continuing to develop,” Kriz said. “This success reflects not only the hard work of the athletes and coaches, but also the support of families, volunteers and our entire community.”
The USRowing Youth National Championships are scheduled for June 12-15 in Sarasota, Fla.