The Evolution of Women’s Rowing: From Debut at the Olympics to NCAA Dominance

Women’s rowing has come a long way since its debut at the Olympic Games in 1976. Back then, American women competing in the sport often had to pay their own way to compete in national collegiate championships, as the sport was not wholeheartedly welcomed in the boathouse.

It wasn’t until 1994 that rowing became the first “emerging women’s sport” to earn NCAA championship status, thanks to the NCAA’s Emerging Sports for Women program. Since then, the NCAA has hosted a Division 1 championship for women’s rowing, with two boat classes for eights and one for fours.

According to Mary Mazzio, a former Olympian and producer of the film A Hero for Daisy, the inclusion of women’s rowing in NCAA championships has significantly increased the talent pool for the sport. Many colleges and universities created women’s rowing programs to comply with Title IX, offering scholarships and making the sport more accessible to a wider range of athletes.

By 2004, the U.S. women’s eight had become a dominant force in international rowing, going undefeated in Olympic and world championship competition from 2006 to 2018. This success can be attributed to the increased talent pool and opportunities provided by NCAA programs.

One such success story is Mazzio’s daughter, Daisy Mazzio-Manson, who won the 2021 NCAA title with the University of Texas and helped the U.S. women’s eight win a silver medal at the 2023 world championships. Mazzio-Manson is now an Olympic hopeful for Paris, showcasing the impact of NCAA women’s rowing programs on the sport’s growth and success.

Overall, the inclusion of women’s rowing in NCAA championships has been a gamechanger, increasing the talent pool and making the sport more accessible to athletes who may not have had the opportunity to participate otherwise. The dominance of the U.S. women’s eight in international competition is a testament to the impact of NCAA programs on the sport.