Founded in 1975, Sunshine State Conference member institutions have won a total of 138 NCAA national championships across 15 sports and boast an NCAA Division II leading 89% Academic Success Rate. In 2025-26, the SSC marks its 50th anniversary, reflecting on a proud history of athletic and academic excellence.
SARASOTA, Fla. (April 24, 2026) – The 2026 Sunshine State Conference Women’s Rowing Championship took place on Friday morning from Benderson Park. The Rollins College Tars took first-place in the event, capturing their first SSC title since 2002.
The Varsity Four was the first race of the day. Nova Southeastern crossed the finish line with a time of 7:50.8 for the trophy. Rollins took second, finishing 3.3 seconds behind. Tampa claimed third, finishing 4.1 seconds behind the Sharks, and just 0.8 seconds in front of Embry-Riddle. Barry rounded out the participants in fifth, 37.4 seconds behind the leader.
Embry-Riddle dominate the Varsity 8 race, breezing past the competition with a time of 7:01.1. Rollins repeated their efforts from the 4, taking second place as they finished 12.6 seconds behind the Eagles. Nova Southeastern was third at 28.3 seconds behind, followed by the Tampa Spartans 37.9 seconds back.
Rollins claimed the conference title with a final score of 20 points. Embry-Riddle and Nova Southeastern tied with 19 points each, with the tie-breaker going the Eagles’ way based on Varsity 8 finish. Tampa finished fourth overall with 12 points, with Barry in fifth thanks to two points.
The following rowers were named to the All-SSC team:
Sophie Bolan, Rollins
Abby Kleba, Rollins
Teagan Hanley, Rollins
Claire Opal-Levine (coxswain), Rollins
Aria Moses, Embry-Riddle
Abby Webb, Embry-Riddle
Alisa Hobbs, Barry
Chrysta Snair, Nova Southeastern
Jenna Manning, Tampa
The following rowers were named to the All-Freshman/Novice team:
Teagan Hanley, Rollins
Lauren Hoffman, Embry-Riddle
Gianna Middleton, Nova Southeastern
Dani Eaton, Tampa
Ruth Burge, Barry