PORTLAND, Ore. --- The University of Portland women’s rowing team will add three recruits to the program as Hannah Chandler (Anchorage, Alaska), Hannah Johnson (Seattle, Wash.) and Bridget Sloat (Bainbridge Island, Wash.) have each signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Pilots next fall.
“These first three recruits will be great additions to our developing team and it shows that people are recognizing the outstanding opportunities for rowing student-athletes at the University of Portland,” head coach Bill Zack said. “We’re still in contact with other current high school seniors, and we’re looking forward to adding to this recruiting class in the spring.”
Hannah Chandler, who is a senior at South High School, has rowed with the Anchorage Rowing Association for three years. A four-year letter winner for her high school swim team, Chandler helped South finish third at the regional championships. She also trains with Southside Triathletes, has competed in the Gold Nugget Triathlon and runs half marathons.
“We already have a lot of Alaskans on the team so we’re excited to add Hannah and her rowing and other athletic experience,” said Zack. “She has great height and athleticism and she shows a lot of promise for the sport.”
Hannah Johnson attends Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle and she is currently in her fourth year rowing with Green Lake Crew. Johnson rowed at seven seat in their youth eight at the 2011 Head of the Charles Regatta, helping the crew finish eighth out of 74 teams.
“Hannah is displaying great senior leadership on her club team and she has been really excited from day one about becoming a Portland Pilot,” Zack said. “We’re pleased to get a top athlete from such a strong Seattle area program.”
A senior at Bainbridge High School,
Bridget Sloat began rowing for Bainbridge Island Rowing Club in the summer of 2009. Last spring, Sloat and her team were selected to race in the prestigious Opening Day Regatta in Seattle. Sloat was in the five seat for that race, and this fall she was in their top eight at the Head of the Lake Regatta, where they placed fourth. Sloat has also played on her high school basketball and volleyball teams, while playing soccer for Bainbridge Island FC.
“Bridget is a very good athlete who has done well for the expanding Bainbridge Island team,” Zack said. “We expect her to blossom even more once she gets to the Division I level.”
