At the University of Iowa, our nationally ranked rowing program strives for excellence both on and off the water. To accomplish this, our coaches and students create a community that supports one another as we challenge boundaries.
The Hawkeye program aims to compete at the top of the Big Ten Conference and NCAA Division I rowing, and we aim to do it while fostering students who perform at the top of their academic programs and grow as members of their communities.
As a program, Iowa Rowing is committed to an inclusive environment that promotes the values of investing in student success, committing to excellence, and being a great team member.
"The University of Iowa is truly a special place. In my time in Iowa City I have been fortunate to work with some incredible student-athletes and supporters, many of whom I consider family. There is no better place for a memorable academic and athletic experience. ‘Once a Hawkeye, always a Hawkeye.’”
Head Coach Jeff Garbutt
National Recognition
The University of Iowa ranks among the top tier of NCAA Division I rowing programs and there have been many national accolades to reflect that standing.
The Hawkeyes have had nine All-Americans and 41 National Scholar Athletes while qualifying for the NCAA Championships three straight years (2017, 2018, 2019). The Hawkeyes were ranked in the National Top-20 for 30 straight polls over four consecutive years, peaking at #7 in 2018.
The Iowa coaching staff was recognized as the Regional Staff of the Year in those same years and on each occasion the staff was a finalist for National Staff of the Year honors.
International Stage
The Hawkeyes have consistently represented Iowa at the international level in recent years.
Over 20 Hawkeyes represented the USRowing Central Development Camp at the prestigious Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in the summer of 2017. All nine women in the Under-23 Eight were Hawkeyes, setting a course record on their way to winning the Final in the 135th year of the Regatta.
As a team, the Hawkeyes competed overseas at the 2018 Henley Women’s Regatta in England, the Koninklijke Holland Beker (Royal Holland Cup) International Regatta in Amsterdam, and the venerable Henley Royal Regatta, which has attracted the World’s best crews since 1839. Iowa’s First 8+ became the first Big Ten women’s crew to ever win a match race at Henley Royal.
Individual Hawkeye athletes actively compete for national teams. Iowa has had five women invited into USRowing Under-23 selection since 2018, with Hunter Koenigsfeld winning a bronze medal at the World Rowing U23 Championships in 2019. Eve Stewart represented the Netherlands at the 2018 and 2019 World Rowing U23 Championships as well as the 2020 European Rowing U23 Championships where she finished second, fifth, and third, respectively.
Our Legacy
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