Stetson Rowing head coach Mark Wilson today announced the signing of Olivia Valiante for the 2015-16 academic year.

Valiante is currently a senior at Holy Spirit High School in Absecon, N.J., and has been on the National Champion Lightweight 8, winning the SRAA's in 2013 as well as the prestigious Stotesbury Regatta in Philadelphia.  Besides being an outstanding oarswoman on the Spirit team Olivia is also a member of the swim team during the winter months. 

“Staying fit is something Olivia obviously enjoys,” explains Wilson. “We are very proud to have Olivia choose Stetson for her academic university of choice. Having young women on the team with Olivia's athletic and academic background will set Stetson apart.” 

Valiante is understandably excited about her future at Stetson.

“Crew has helped me to grow as an individual throughout high school, and I'm very excited to be able to continue my athletic career at Stetson,” said Valiante.

Stetson Rowing has signed more than 14 young women to the incoming class and through those recruiting efforts it is anticipated the Hatters will be as good as ever in the following years. The commitment of Olivia and the other young women that are joining her as teammates adds to the potential for the future. Stetson Rowing competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and will be returning to Olivia's home state for the conference championship meet in May.

Stetson Rowing continues to grow an impressive roster of incoming freshmen, and will be looking to have a very solid program in the future. The 10-acre rowing site, boathouse plans, new waterfront development and equipment purchases are all coming together at the right time for the Hatters. 

“I know that Stetson is a fine institution with great opportunities for all students,” said Wilson. “It is our job as coaches to make sure that our rowers are given every opportunity to succeed. Having a team made up of great young women makes it easy to come to practice each day.”

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