Rowing

St Catherine’s School’s First VIII Rowing Crew are now the best Schoolgirl 8+ in the world after taking out the Prince Philip Challenge Trophy at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in the UK. The 2022 St Catherine’s School Rowing season will go down in history as the School’s most successful season. St Catherine’s First VIII Crew (MMXXI) are now reigning international champions, Australian Champions, and back-to-back Head of Schoolgirls Champions. The Henley Royal Regatta is one of the most prestigious and historic rowing events on the world rowing calendar. After delivering impressive races throughout their Heats and Semi Finals, the MMXXI Crew competed against the ‘best of the best’ from the USA – the Winter Park Crew, Florida in the Final.

To make a Final at the Henley Royal Regatta is an incredible achievement. However, the MMXXI was determined to ensure that their last race together would be the best. The Crew took the lead early blasting out of the start, although it remained close through the middle of the race, the MMXXI had control finishing with an epic win to cross the line two-thirds of a length in front of the USA Winter Park Crew. Much of the Crew’s pre-season training was conducted via online sessions in their own homes throughout Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns. The results throughout their 2021/22 season are testament to the girls’ tenacious approach to training, all whilst balancing their VCE study commitments,and their extraordinary determination and grit.

Head Rowing Coach

Cox: Summer Balla-Kellett Stroke: Bronte Cullen Seven: Sienna Darcy Six: Sarah Marriott Five: Chloe Nevins Four: Zara Bongiorno Three: Lucy Green Two: Jemima Wilcox Bow: Zara Peele Coaches: John Saunders and Brigette Carlile