Six of seven Washington women’s rowing crews reached the podium on March 29 at the San Diego Crew Classic, with the Huskies’ second varsity four winning gold in its grand final. Three other crews finished second and two more earned bronze medals during Sunday’s races on Mission Bay.
The event marked the team’s first weekend of 2,000-meter racing this season and provided a key opportunity for freshmen to compete against outside teams. Head coach Yasmin Farooq said, “This was the first weekend of 2,000-meter racing for the team and an exciting way to open the season against outside competition — especially for all of our freshmen.” Farooq also said, “We traveled a full Big Ten championship squad to get a solid first look at how we’re developing, and I was really proud of how everyone showed up today. Getting two high-quality, back-to-back races gave us a ton to learn from, and I’m encouraged by what this group will do in the weeks to come.”
In one highlight race—the Jessop-Whitter Cup final—Texas led from start to finish with Washington’s varsity eight finishing second in 6:39.244, about eleven seconds ahead of California. The Huskies had also placed second in this event last year and third in 2024.
Other silver medals came from Washington’s varsity four and second varsity eight boats; both trailed Texas across their respective finish lines but maintained comfortable leads over third-place California crews. In addition to these results, both Washington’s third varsity eight (novice) and third varsity four secured bronze finishes.
The day concluded with success for Washington’s second varsity four crew as they commanded their race from start to finish, winning by six seconds over California while another Husky boat took third place.
Looking ahead, Washington women’s rowing will face California again on April 11 at Redwood Shores before competing at the Big Ten Invitational April 18-19.
