Former Staples student Kelsey McGinley ’18 was nominated for Junior Athlete of the Year by US Rowing this November. McGinley currently rows at Stanford and is a freshman on their Division 1 team. In her high school summers prior to Stanford, she rowed for the junior national team.

“I started rowing in eighth grade at Saugatuck Rowing Club,” McGinley said.  “I’ve also rowed for the junior national team over sophomore, junior and senior summer.”

The Junior Athlete of the Year award is an achievement given out to those who are recognized for their accomplishments as a rower in 2018. US Rowing says, “Success may be defined as an outstanding performance, having a breakout year, perseverance in spite of difficult odds, consistent strong performance, outstanding service off the water, a combination of the above or other worthy measures.”

Despite her age,  McGinley has already achieved many awards and been recognized throughout on a national level. Starting in 2016, she began winning medals and leading boats to success in nationals.

“I won nationals in 2016, 2017, and 2018, a bronze medal at worlds in 2016 and 2017, and won worlds in 2018,” McGinley said. “I have won the head of the Charles four times in a row, recently winning the collegiate championship with Stanford this fall.”

The head of the Charles is a regatta which occurs every year; it is the largest regatta in the US with over 11,000 athletes. McGinley led her boat to victory four times.

McGinley cultiminated 4,588 votes and gained 39.71 percent  of the majority of votes.

“It means a lot to be nominated for Junior Athlete of the Year,” McGinley said, “because the nomination must be submitted my teammates.”