ERIE, Pa. -
Adrian Spracklen, head coach of the women's rowing program at Mercyhurst University, announced today the addition of eight student-athletes to the roster.
"This year's incoming class is already shaping up to be one of the strongest we've had in years," commented Spracklen. All told, six rowers and two coxswains, have committed to joining the Lakers' squad during the recent early signing period.
Hanna Schumacher (Ritterhude, Germany) will join the team this spring, while Mackenzie Elliott (Manlius, N.Y.), Leah Griffin (Pittsburgh, Pa.), Chelsea Guida (Manlius, N.Y.), Margaret Kneuer (Pittsford, N.Y.), Kristen Kuniak (Mars, Pa.), Lorrie Pollock (Pittsburgh, Pa.), and Nicole Snyder (Wesley Chapel, Fla.) will arrive next fall.
Schumacher was a member of the Vegesacker Rowing Club in her native country of Germany. Hailing from Ritterhude, Germany, Schumacher attended Gymnasium Vegesack and plans on majoring in exercise science upon her arrival. "Mercyhurst University is the perfect place for me to combine my passion for rowing with majoring in exercise science and to experience the American way of life," said Schumacher of her opportunity.
Elliott is one of two new signees from Manlius, New York and from Fayetteville-Manlius High School. Not only did she row for her high school, but she was a member of the Syracuse Chargers Rowing Club. She plans on majoring in psychology. "What first drew me to Mercyhurst University was the academic and rowing programs, but before my overnight visit was over, I was hooked," said Elliott. "I could see myself taking my academics to the next level while enjoying the classes. I was also impressed with the level of dedication and closeness of the rowing team. I know I will be able to improve myself as a rower and make some forever friendships. As I looked around the campus, I knew I could be myself at Mercyhurst University and become a better me."
Hailing from Pittsburgh where she attended North Allegheny High School, Griffin plans on majoring in biology at Mercyhurst. "Mercyhurst has everything I was looking for in a university," said Griffin. "From the first time I walked across the beautiful campus, to my official visit, there was no denying this is where I belonged. I researched and visited my share of schools, but I always kept coming back to Mercyhurst. The pre-physician assistant track leading into their Master's program, combined with the high academic standards and community service commitments, will keep me challenged and focused on life's priorities. But it was the excellent women's rowing program under the renowned head coach Spracklen that really sold me on Mercyhurst - not to mention the women on the team were just fantastic and so welcoming. I already felt like a part of the team."
Guida joins Elliott from Fayetteville-Manlius High School in Manlius, New York. She intends to major in fashion merchandising. "From the moment I drove past the gates and through the scenic campus, I knew Mercyhurst University was special," said Guida. "But it was after talking to the welcoming staff and students, and seeing everything the school had to offer, that I realized I wanted Mercyhurst to be my home for the next four years."
Calling Pittsford, New York her home, Kneuer will come to Mercyhurst after attending Pittsford Mendon High School and participating with the Pittsford Crew. She plans on majoring in psychology. "The reason I chose Mercyhurst was truly because of the atmosphere of the whole campus," said Kneuer. "The way the campus felt and how the people there were kind and genuine on the team was incredible and I knew then that I wanted to be a part of it all."
Kuniak hails from Mars, Pennsylvania, where she attended Mars Area Senior High School. She was also a member of the Three Rivers RA. At Mercyhurst, Kuniak intends to major in biology. "I visited Mercyhurst two years ago and it remained my first choice for two years," stated Kuniak. "After meeting the coaches, I felt that I could reach my full potential as a rower under their leadership - they win championships and the University has a hands on approach to the degree that I want. I am very excited to be attending Mercyhurst University and look forward to seeing how far the team can go."
Pollock joins Griffin from Pittsburgh, but attended Upper St. Clair High School where she was a part of the rowing team. She plans to major in sportsmedicine. "I chose Mercyhurst because I think this university has the perfect balance between academics and athletics. Plus, it only makes sense for a rower to be a Laker," said Pollock.
The final addition, Snyder, hails from Wesley Chapel, Florida, where she attended Tampa Catholic High School and competed for the Tampa Training Center. She is expected to major in exercise science. "I chose Mercyhurst because I loved the campus and rowing team. I'm looking forward to moving to Pennsylvania," said Snyder.
