University of North Carolina Athletics
Rowing’s Gwiazdowski Awarded Wells Fargo Postgraduate Scholarship
January 12, 2026 | Women's Rowing, Academics, Student-Athlete Development
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – University of North Carolina rower Anna Kate Gwiazdowski has been awarded the 2026 Wells Fargo Postgraduate Scholarship, a $10,000 grant presented annually to a UNC senior student-athlete who plans to attend graduate school.
Gwiazdowski is set to graduate from Carolina this spring with a degree in English and comparative literature with a minor in philosophy, politics and economics. She serves as a mentor in the Baddour Leadership Academy and volunteers for Girls Write Now where she mentors high school girls that have overcome adversity in their home lives. Gwiazdowski has also spent time serving as an SAT prep tutor.
"Carolina Rowing is so proud of Anna Kate for receiving this prestigious scholarship. What a terrific opportunity," said head coach Erin Neppel. "Anna Kate has worked incredibly hard and takes her education very seriously. I have no doubt she will continue in her postgraduate pursuits."
A two-year member of the rowing team, Gwiazdowski spent her junior season as a member of the 3V8 boat as a junior. She assisted the Tar Heels to a second-place finish in the 3V8 at the Cardinal Invitational and finished third at the Rocky Top Invite.
"Being a student-athlete at Carolina has been the most amazing experience," said Gwiazdowski. "I've had so many opportunities that I otherwise wouldn't have had. I'm grateful to all the Carolina athletics staff for supporting me, not only in my athletic career but in academics."
"First, I want to thank Wells Fargo for this amazing opportunity. I also want to thank my teammates and coaches for being supportive of me academically and athletically," said Gwiazdowski. "You guys are my biggest cheerleaders, and I am really grateful for you. I also want to thank Cricket Lane and all our academic support staff. I also want to thank my parents; I would not be here without you guys."
Wells Fargo has been an Official Sponsor of Carolina Athletics for more than 20 years. In addition to the annual postgraduate scholarship, the company also partners with the Richard A. Baddour Carolina Leadership Academy to teach all UNC student-athletes financial literacy and an understanding of basic money management concepts. The training is designed to help them make wise financial choices now and after they graduate.
Suzie Koonce, Philanthropy and Community Impact Senior Consultant at Wells Fargo, added, "We are honored to present Anna Kate Gwiazdowski with the 2026 Wells Fargo Postgraduate Scholarship. While balancing a demanding academic and rowing team schedule, she still finds time to positively impact the community through mentorship opportunities on and off campus. Anna Kate has an impressive resume already and – as a UNC alum – I'm proud that we'll soon share an alma mater."
For up-to-date information on UNC Rowing, visit GoHeels.com/Rowing and follow on X (@UNCRowing), Instagram (@uncrowing) and Facebook (Facebook.com/UNCRowing).
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $2.1 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 33 on Fortune's 2025 rankings of America's largest corporations. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.
Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellsfargo
Gwiazdowski is set to graduate from Carolina this spring with a degree in English and comparative literature with a minor in philosophy, politics and economics. She serves as a mentor in the Baddour Leadership Academy and volunteers for Girls Write Now where she mentors high school girls that have overcome adversity in their home lives. Gwiazdowski has also spent time serving as an SAT prep tutor.
"Carolina Rowing is so proud of Anna Kate for receiving this prestigious scholarship. What a terrific opportunity," said head coach Erin Neppel. "Anna Kate has worked incredibly hard and takes her education very seriously. I have no doubt she will continue in her postgraduate pursuits."
A two-year member of the rowing team, Gwiazdowski spent her junior season as a member of the 3V8 boat as a junior. She assisted the Tar Heels to a second-place finish in the 3V8 at the Cardinal Invitational and finished third at the Rocky Top Invite.
"Being a student-athlete at Carolina has been the most amazing experience," said Gwiazdowski. "I've had so many opportunities that I otherwise wouldn't have had. I'm grateful to all the Carolina athletics staff for supporting me, not only in my athletic career but in academics."
"First, I want to thank Wells Fargo for this amazing opportunity. I also want to thank my teammates and coaches for being supportive of me academically and athletically," said Gwiazdowski. "You guys are my biggest cheerleaders, and I am really grateful for you. I also want to thank Cricket Lane and all our academic support staff. I also want to thank my parents; I would not be here without you guys."
Wells Fargo has been an Official Sponsor of Carolina Athletics for more than 20 years. In addition to the annual postgraduate scholarship, the company also partners with the Richard A. Baddour Carolina Leadership Academy to teach all UNC student-athletes financial literacy and an understanding of basic money management concepts. The training is designed to help them make wise financial choices now and after they graduate.
Suzie Koonce, Philanthropy and Community Impact Senior Consultant at Wells Fargo, added, "We are honored to present Anna Kate Gwiazdowski with the 2026 Wells Fargo Postgraduate Scholarship. While balancing a demanding academic and rowing team schedule, she still finds time to positively impact the community through mentorship opportunities on and off campus. Anna Kate has an impressive resume already and – as a UNC alum – I'm proud that we'll soon share an alma mater."
For up-to-date information on UNC Rowing, visit GoHeels.com/Rowing and follow on X (@UNCRowing), Instagram (@uncrowing) and Facebook (Facebook.com/UNCRowing).
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $2.1 trillion in assets. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 33 on Fortune's 2025 rankings of America's largest corporations. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories.
Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wellsfargo
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing
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