Women’s crew team rows to success

They have the most rigorous practice schedule of any sports team on campus.  They are in the midst of an outstanding season that has them ranked in the top 20. However, as they make a push toward a WCC crown that is well within their grasp, no one on campus is talking about them
As long as they keep winning, that is just fine with the women's rowing team.
The lady Toreros' varsity eight team started out the year extremely well and took an unblemished record into the San Diego Crew Classic in Mission Bay on March 27 and 28. The race, which takes place in USD's backyard, is always one of the biggest ones of the year for the team.  In a thrilling finish, the lady Toreros were able to pull ahead and defeat second-place Oklahoma by two seconds.
"I can't even begin to describe to you how great it felt to win Crew Classic," junior rower Taylor Caldwell said.  "It is a huge step for our program and it felt surreal to be part of the boat that made that happen."
Caldwell and the rest of the squad were able to keep their momentum going two weeks later as they easily handled their competition at the Berg Cup in Newport Beach, winning the varsity eight race by 30 seconds. In addition, they were victorious in the varsity four, novice eight, and second varsity eight,  It was a true team effort for a group of ladies who have each other's backs on and off the boat.
"The team is not only a group of girls that row in the same boats, but we are a family," Caldwell said. "Spending 20 hours a week training and traveling together creates a bond like no other I have experienced."                         
While the 5 a.m. wakeup calls may put a damper on their late-night television watching, the hard work is clearly paying off.  USD is currently ranked, and as a result of their victory in the Crew Classic, they have earned a spot in an invitational against the nation's top teams at the end of the year.  Although the varsity eight dropped a race in Eugene, Ore. on April 17, Caldwell has high hopes for the rest of the season.
"Our ultimate goal is to win the WCC conference for the first time in school history," Caldwell said.  "Every other year Gonzaga has taken home the title and we feel that this year is our year to take it away from them and bring it back to San Diego."
The WCC Championship, which takes place Friday, April 30, will be followed by the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association competition on Saturday and Sunday in what is shaping up to be one of the most important weekends in program history. A last place team three years ago, USD appears to have a great chance to come out on top in their final few races.
The lady Toreros' lack of publicity around campus may be real, but with their performance so far this season, the team is making sure it isn't justified.