The club has developed a close relationship with Tulsa University in Oklahoma, USA, where local young women have been successful in gaining rowing scholarships.
NCRA are working to develop further talented young female athletes over a period of two to four years, who would then be able to gain rowing scholarships at Tulsa and other American Universities.
The reason the scholarships are available is the Title IX law against gender discrimination in the USA, which has markedly impacted women’s sports, ensuring equal pay and opportunities.
As a direct result of Title IX, all US universities must equally fund male and female sports, which has resulted in a significant increase in funding and opportunities for women in the UK.
NCRA, currently has four club members studying at Tulsa, several more plan to attend in the coming two to three years and take advantage of the fabulous facilities, education, and beneficial financial terms. A full scholarship covers 100% of tuition and living costs, plus additional financial incentives for academic performance. Most will return with no debt, unlike when attending a UK institution.
NCRA athlete Emily Bell, currently on a rowing scholarship, outlines her experience of the program said: “I have just finished my second year at Tulsa. I was selected for a full scholarship, meaning all my expenses surrounding university are paid for, as well as trips to rowing events across the US. Rowing at Tulsa has been life changing.
“The opportunities are beyond my wildest dreams, I have rowed in 10 states in the US and met girls from 12 different countries who row alongside me.
“The facilities and support in the US are unbelievable, we row on the river five days a week, twice a week we lift weights with a specialised coach. We also have a nutritionist who is accessible if required.
“We have a trainer or physio whenever needed. Lastly, there are five coaches who dedicate themselves to helping us. Food wise, we have access to the cafeteria and extra money to support our needs. The university even has a specific building and pastoral care for international students and the professors are equally supportive.
“Perhaps most importantly, Tulsa, as a private university, has one of the highest graduation to job rates of 97%, it goes above and beyond to ensure we are set up for the future.”
University of Tulsa Women’s Rowing 2024-2025 Season Overview
Sunshine State Invitational / Sarasota 2k March 28-29, 2025, located in Sarasota,
Florida.
1V8+ Anna Shaw (8) Emily Bell (4)
2V8+ Ella Abraham (8)
All boats time trialed but results were not released, and we were placed into semi finals consequently.
In each semi final the top 2 went to the A final, then the next 2 to the B final and the final 2 to the C final.
A list of all competitors in the Division 1 1V8+ and 2V8+ includes
University of Tulsa,
University of Central Florida,
Iowa State University,
University of Massachusetts,
High Point University,
Michigan State University,
University of Miami,
University of Alabama,
Kansas University,
Jacksonville University,
Old Dominion University,
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill,
Dartmouth University,
Louisville University,
Boston College,
West Virginia University,
Kansas State University.
1V8+ placed in heat 1 against University of Central Florida, University of Iowa, University of Massachusetts, High Point University placing 3rd with a time of 6:48 placing them in the B final.
2V8+ placed in heat 3 against University of Miami, University of Dartmouth, Boston College, West Virginia University and Kansas State University placing 3rd with a time of 7:06 placing them in the B final.
1V8+ placed 2nd in the B final with a time of 6:37, only shy of 1st place by 1 second to University of Alabama.
2V8+ placed 2nd in the B final with a time of 6:53, only shy of 1st place by 0.27 seconds to Kansas University.
Lake Wheeler Invitational April 25-26, 2025, located in Rayleigh, North Carolina
1V8+ Anna Shaw (8) Emily Bell (6)
2V8+ Ella Abraham (8)
All boats raced against different times across three different races across the two days. There were no finals or heats, just different competitors.
A list of all competitors in the Division 1 1V8+ and 2V8+ includes
University of Tulsa,
Boston University,
Louisville University,
Rhode Island University,
Boston College,
Georgetown University,
Kansas University,
Navy Academy,
Gonzaga University,
University of Miami,
Columbia University,
University of Virginia,
Jacksonville University,
Villanova University,
University of North Carolina,
Washington State University,
Duke University,
Clemson University.
The 1V8+ first raced against Boston University, Louisville University, Rhode Island University, Boston College, Georgetown University placed 2nd with a time of 6:38 just 3 seconds behind Boston University.
The 2V8+ raced the same competitors but placed 3rd with a time of 6:50 behind first place Boston University with 6:42.
The 1V8+ raced against Duke University, Columbia University, Rhode Island University, Georgetown University, Jacksonville University placed 3rd with a time of 6:42 to first place Duke University with 6:31.
The 2V8+ raced against the same competitors with a time of 6:55 placing 3rd to first place Duke University with 6:35.
The last race was against University of North Carolina, Boston College, Georgetown University, Kansas University, Navy Academy. The 1V8+ placed 2nd with 6:31 only 1.5 seconds behind the University of North Carolina.
The 2V8+ placed 3rd with a time of 6:46 to first place University of North Carolina who raced at 6:38.
Big 12 Conference Rowing Championships May 18, 2025, located in Sarasota, Florida
1V8+ Anna Shaw (8) Emily Bell (6)
2V8+ Ella Abraham (8)
All schools in attendance raced once against one another in their own race class. Competing was the 3V4+, 3V8+, 2V4+, 1V4+, 2V8+, 1V8+ who each earned points respective of where they placed. Depending on how many boats raced in each category, the highest points possible were awarded to first place and the least amount to last place. In those races with less than 6 competitors points were awarded to how many boats raced and what place they came. All boats earned points towards the total except for the 3V4+ which was an exhibition race.
Those who were competing included
University of Tulsa,
University of Central Florida,
University of Kansas,
Kansas State University,
West Virgina University,
Old Dominion University.
The 3V8+ placed 4th with a time of 7:49 made up mainly of novices, the 2V4+ placed 3rd with a time of 7:51, the 1V4+ placed 3rd with a time of 7:51.
The 2V8+ placed 2nd with a time of 6:51 and the 1V8+ placed 2nd again with a time of 6:38.
This meant the points stood for Tulsa at 65 compared to the winners the University of Central Florida at 84 sweeping all the races with all 1st places.
