JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The High Point University women's rowing team opened its 2026 fall season strong on Saturday at the First Coast Head Race, earning two first-place finishes and a runner-up finish in its three events in Jacksonville. 

The Panthers' first varsity eight and second varsity eight each claimed first place in their respective events, while High Point's third boat finished second in the Women's NCAA Division I 8+ – 3rd+ Boats event. 

Head Coach Jessica Deitrick: "The team was excited to kick off our fall season in Florida. We had a strong showing today and enjoyed the challenging race course. We are excited to get back home and get to work as we prepare for our next race in two weeks here in High Point!" 

High Point opened the morning with a first-place finish in the Women's NCAA Division I 8+ – 1st Boat event. The Panthers' first varsity eight, coxed by Grayson Williams, crossed the finish line in 18:44.605 to finish ahead of Jacksonville University's A boat, which recorded a time of 19:16.488. 

The Panthers continued their strong start in the Women's NCAA Division I 8+ – 2nd Boat event. High Point's second varsity eight, led by coxswain Carolyn Fox, secured another first-place finish with a time of 19:17.981, finishing ahead of Jacksonville's second boat (20:01.829).

High Point rounded out its morning with a second-place finish in the Women's NCAA Division I 8+ – 3rd+ Boats event. The Panthers crossed the finish line in 20:13.991, finishing just behind Jacksonville University's A boat (20:11.282) in a close race. 

The Panthers will look to build on their opening-day performances as they continue their fall schedule and prepare for their next opportunity to compete. HPU's next race will be October 24, where the Panthers compete on home territory at the High Point Autumn Rowing Festival on Oak Hollow Lake.

Race Results
1V8+
1. HPU – 18:44.605
2. JU – 19:16.488

2V8+
1. HPU – 19:17.981
2. JU – 20:01.829

3V8+
1. JU – 20:11.282
2. HPU – 20:13.991

1V4+
1. JU – 21:22.389
2. HPU – DNS

HPU Lineups: 

1V8+: Grayson Williams (C), Riley Verner, Kate Concepcion, Aiste Slatkeviciute, Anna Venditti, Courtney Robinson, Avery Falor, Saige Wiggins, Madelyn Cummings

2V8+: Carolyn Fox (C), Genevieve Alexander, Eleni Charalampidou-Layton, Hannah Trouwborst, Annabelle Everding, Rylee Templar, Kiarra Shouder, Alison Sims, Lucy Laborde

V4+: Cate Ward (C), Willow Conley, Olivia Welch, Michaela Islas, Bria Henry