Class Of 10 Signs With UNC Rowing

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Ten outstanding high school student-athletes have signed letters of intent with the UNC rowing program and will enroll at the University of North Carolina in August of 2019. The recruiting class includes students from California, Florida, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia in addition to North Carolina.

"This is the fastest class top to bottom that UNC has ever brought in," said UNC Assistant Head Coach Anthony Brock, who coaches the freshman squad and oversees recruiting. "That's great because we need a really fast class to help us replace the speed we are graduating this and next year. This class is going to be a big piece of that."

The members of the fall signing class are Korynna Anderson (Los Alamitos, Calif.), Emma Brockman (Atherton, Calif.), Emily Elkas (Great Falls, Va.), Ranait Fitzgerald (Asheville, Va.), Taylor Gregitis (Wayne, Pa.), Chloe Hyde (Newport Beach, Calif.), Gracie Mayer (Asheville, N.C.), Katy Pierce (Melrose, Mass.), Natalie Timinskas (Raleigh, N.C.) and Anna Williams (Tampa, Fla.).

"I love the spring racing season but I am already looking forward to next fall to see what this group can do in their first semester here and beyond," said Brock, who expects to sign several additional prospects in the coming months. "Academically and athletically they are exactly what we are looking for and I couldn't be happier with how this class came together."

More on the Fall 2018 signees:

Korynna Anderson
Hometown: Los Alamitos, Calif. (Los Alamitos High School)
Rowing Club/Team: Newport Sea Base Rowing
Why Carolina? "I chose Carolina not only because of the strong academics and athletics, but also because of the unmatched sense of community and support for student-athletes."

Emma Brockman
Hometown: Atherton, Calif. (Menlo High School)
Rowing Club/Team: Norcal Crew
Why Carolina? "I chose Carolina because from the moment I stepped on campus the people and culture were exactly what I wanted to surround myself with. I especially loved the campus and the welcoming spirit of the team and coaches. At UNC I will be able to explore a broad range of academic courses while being a part of a strong, motivated and supportive team.

Emily Elkas
Hometown: Great Falls, Va. (Langley High School)
Rowing Club/Team: Langley Crew
Why Carolina? "I chose Carolina because it is the southern part of heaven. The team and coaches have such a vibrant and hard-working culture that I am so excited and honored to be a part of. Go Heels!"

Ranait Fitzgerald
Hometown: Asheville, N.C. (T.C. Roberson High School
Rowing Club/Team: Asheville Youth Rowing
Why Carolina? "From the moment I walked onto campus, I felt like I belonged at Carolina. No other university could match its academic caliber, strong sense of community, and support of its athletes - three important traits I was looking for in my college search. Carolina has such an incredible range of offerings for students who are searching for their own path. I know that the academic opportunities and athletic experiences I'll share with my teammates in the coming years will help me to grow in ways I can only dream of today."

Taylor Gregitis
Hometown: Wayne, Pa. (Merion Mercy Academy)
Rowing Club/Team: Merion Mercy
Why Carolina? I chose Carolina because of the world-renowned education and the opportunity to row at the collegiate level. The emphasis on community, determination, and hard work both on and off the water stood out to me. There is school spirit at Chapel Hill that is unlike any other university. UNC's students, team, and coaching staff made me feel at home as soon as I stepped on campus and I knew this was the place for me. I am beyond excited to row for Carolina and am proud to call myself a Tar Heel!"

Chloe Hyde
Hometown: Newport Beach, Calif. (Newport Harbor High School)
Rowing Club/Team: Newport Aquatic Center
Why Carolina? "I chose UNC because it is so different than where I am from. I love the team culture and environment and how everyone supports each other. Carolina is special – it has this perfect balance between athletics and education that is hard to find in other schools and I knew it was the perfect place for me!"

Gracie Mayer
Hometown: Asheville, N.C. (A.C. Reynolds High School)
Rowing Club/Team: Asheville Youth Rowing Association
Why Carolina? "I picked Carolina because as soon as I stepped on the campus, I felt at home. The level of academic support I would receive here as a student-athlete assured me that I would be fully dedicated to a rigorous course load while still performing as a DI athlete. Above all things, I appreciate the emphasis that Carolina places on the student in student-athlete."

Katy Pierce
Hometown: Melrose, Mass. (Pingree School)
Rowing Club/Team: Gordon Juniors/Pingree Rowing
Why Carolina? It was a school where I could challenge myself academically that also has the resources to support me, and I could also compete at a high level in rowing. The feel of the school is so welcoming as well, and it was somewhere that I know I can call home.

Natalie Timinskas
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C. (Cary Academy)
Rowing Club/Team: Triangle Rowing Club
Why Carolina? Carolina is amazing! The Carolina community feels so welcoming and spirited. The outstanding academics and competitive athletics were a perfect combination for me. I have known for a while that I have wanted to be a Tar Heel, and I am so excited for this adventure to begin.

Anna Williams
Hometown: Tampa, Fla. (HB Plant High School)
Rowing Club/Team: Plant High Rowing
Why Carolina? "After seeing the incredible support for athletes, how happy everyone was, and the amazing location, Carolina seemed like the obvious choice. They combine an amazing academic reputation with one of the most successful athletic programs in history. Tar Heels are extremely proud of their school and I am so excited to be a part of that community!"

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