The Emma Crew team had humble beginnings in 1987, relying on the generosity of other rowing clubs to borrow equipment. They acquired their first shell in 1994—aptly named Roby, thanks in part to a generous gift from the Robison Foundation—and Emma Crew has never looked back. Jesters have earned medals at countless regattas, the New York State Championship, and the Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championship. Emma rowers have signed to row at the university level, including at Division I schools, and have even competed in the Olympics!

Fast forward to 2023. The Freshman 8+ boat won the State Championship and advanced to Nationals, creating their own legacy. At the time, Emma Crew had never qualified a Freshman 8+ boat for Nationals, making it a historic win. After after a visit to Nationals in Winter Crew and qualifying again in Spring Crew last year, a handful of those athletes—Isla B. ’26, Katie H. ’26, and Jane K. ’26—have once again qualified for Nationals, this time in the Junior 4+ boat, joined by Ava V. ’26, Sophia H. ’27, and Dora W. ’25. At the 2025 Nationals, the Junior 4+ team finished first in their semi-final race and fourth in the finals. Just 1.5 seconds behind the third-place team, their finish marks an incredible accomplishment. 

“I’m so proud of my team,” shares multi-year medalist Isla.  “Whether on the national stage or at local scrimmages, I’m really proud of how Emma Crew shows up to races at 6:00 in the morning with enthusiasm and a desire to work hard for the team.”
 

This year’s Freshman 8+ boat, composed of Ella G. ’28, Juniper F. ’28, Lauren F. ’28, Tessa H. ’28, Fiona C. ’28, Lily B. ’28, Ruya D. ’28, Phoebe Z. ’28, and Aida G. ’28, also made their way to Nationals. They faced a challenging heat and did not advance to the semi-finals, but were excited to have earned an invitation to such a prestigious event. Their time placed them as the 16th fastest high school girls' Freshman 8+ in the country—an incredible feat! 
 

"Coaching these girls and watching them succeed is every bit as exciting as when I rowed myself,” says Coach Jim Besha. “This success isn’t concentrated in a small number of individuals or boats; each season, the team as a whole has risen to the challenge and done well together. It is a joy to watch them grow from freshmen learning to row for the first time, to veterans who can count themselves amongst the best in the nation. This group of athletes works hard every day in often challenging conditions, and I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication and drive. They have earned all of the success they have achieved.”

With this momentum, Emma Crew has a bright future ahead of them. Co-captain Ava shares, “I feel a great sense of pride every time I put on my uniform and get to the start of a race. Emma has an impressive legacy, and I am proud to be a part of its continuation.”