Thank You, Seniors: Wellesley College Crew Class of 2020
On March 13, a difficult decision was made to cancel the 2020 spring seasons for six Wellesley Athletics programs. Along with the cancellation of contests, practices and team events, the seniors in the Class of 2020 will miss the opportunity to celebrate Senior Day with their family, friends, coaches and teammates. Today we recognize Wellesley crew and we hope you will join us in celebrating the spring student-athletes in the Class of 2020. Thank you, Seniors.
Head Coach Tessa Spillane on the Class of 2020:
"As a class, this has been one of the most important classes in my 15 years. They have led by example, with humor, integrity, passion, conviction and dedication to our greater cause. What is their legacy? They have created a team where we value integrity, inclusion, courage, trust and gratitude. While they did not have the senior spring we hoped for them to have - expected them to have - they have instilled in their younger teammates what it means to be a member of this team, to work toward a very significant team goal and to make sure everyone is cared for and has their place. They have been tremendous leaders, advocates, racers, students, examples and have used their voices in the most productive and positive ways possible to leave this program, and ultimately this institution, better than it was when they first stepped onto this campus.
Alison has been such a steadfast member of this team for their four years at Wellesley. Their humor and enthusiasm are balanced with their persistence, conviction and compassion. Alison is always pushing the needle for us to be better on the water and off the water, yet always one to make sure that we are "keeping it real". Alison "Steve" Carey is one in a million and we will miss them so dearly.
Frances Dingivan '20
Fran has been a force to be reckoned with from the moment she started as a novice here at Wellesley. Fran is a truly tremendous student-athlete, with so much speed, so much humility and even more perseverance. Fran has been the heart and soul of the varsity 8+ since her sophomore fall. Fran has served as one of our captains since January of her junior year and her steadfast leadership and wonderful sense of humor have made her a tremendous asset to her teammates and this coach. She will be so greatly missed by all of us.
Olivia Holbrook '20
If there were ever a member of this team that embodies all it means to sit in any seat, any day, with an exceptional attitude, the perfect blend of support, conviction and humor it would be Holbrook. A two-time recipient of the Blue Crew award for team spirit, she is always striving for more, whether it was her own improvement or making sure that we were all hydrated, Holbrook would never settle. Finding a replacement for her energy and heart will be a truly impossible task.
Maria Iannotti '20
Steady, strong, capable, mature, consistent, all words you want from your student-athletes and particularly your leaders. Maria is the one that all of her teammates can turn to for absolutely anything and they know that they will find a supportive ear, with so much wisdom to share. Maria's dedication to all that she does has made her invaluable to this team on the water and off the water. I am not sure how we will function without her, but her role-modeling over the years has made us all better.
Sooji Kang '20
The epitome of the 9th seat, Sooji has been carving up the Charles with a booming "Go NOW!" for an amazing 4 year career. Sooji has become the standard for our coxswains with her intensity that can motivate every member of the team; a fierce competitor with a sense of humor and a kind warm heart. She has created an environment of collaboration among our coxswains which has proven invaluable to us as a team. Her energy, her amazing calls and her spirit will be sorely missed.
Eve Montie '20
Eve is the member of the team that anyone and everyone knows that they can count on. A fierce racer with a keen passion for the sport, a loving teammate who keeps an eye out for everyone, Eve's presence is consistent, loving and powerful on and off the water. Constantly striving for more and making gains, Eve has set a sterling example for persistence for our team and we will all feel that void next year.
Rhiannon has been setting the athletic standard for this team since she arrived in the fall of 2016. Relentless in her training, Rhiannon has raised the bar for the younger members of the team. Beyond all that speed and all of that potential, Rhiannon has a heart of gold and cares so much about her teammates, our program and this institution. Rhiannon bleeds blue and she has made us so proud...whether it is racing at the U23 level or making big gains here at Wellesley, she is on to big things at Cambridge next year and I can't wait to see what she WILL do.
Emmet Odegaard '20
With unparalleled consistency and doggedness, Emmet has shown us time and time again that effort pays off, that being a good teammate matters, that no matter what, you do it for the good of the team. Emmet is the first person you turn to, if you want to hear it straight. She is the person that teammates can count on to hold them up in a workout or in a moment of stress. She is the person that coaches can count on to simply sit down and do everything in her power to get the job done. Her candor and compassion will be hard to replace.
Faye Washburn '20
Faye, a competitor, a fierce friend, a comedian and all around amazing human being with a huge heart. She has made this team better in all ways. Never one to take things too seriously, yet when it is time to get serious, Faye is the one you want on your team. Always one to lend a hand, to lift a spirit and to race with fierce dedication to her teammates and Wellesley, Faye's example of excellence has been remarkable to witness and she has been so much fun to coach. She will be sorely missed.
Thank you, Red Hot Class of 2020."
Wellesley Athletics strives for excellence at the conference, regional, and national levels, while providing opportunities for students to achieve their potential and learn the values of discipline, leadership, critical thinking, and responsibility to oneself and others.