Army Crew Strikes Gold—Twice—at Nationals, Adds Three Bronze Finishes

By: Desrae Gibby ’91, Women’s Crew Assistant Coach

The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta showcased the strength and determination of the Army Crew Team. Rowing through rain and wind at the largest collegiate regatta in the United States, Army Crew earned six spots in the elite grand finals, bringing home two golds, three bronzes, and a narrow fourth-place finish. These achievements were the result of months of rigorous training and strategic preparation.

In choppy water and windy conditions, the crew of the Jaimie Leonard—named for former Army rower Jaimie Leonard ’97, who was killed in action in Afghanistan—proved their mettle. Locked in a fierce duel with Rhode Island, the teams were separated by just one second heading into the final 50 meters. With a final push, Army surged ahead to claim the gold with a time of 7:01.828.

The novice women’s teams matched the varsity’s intensity and success. The novice eight, rowing in the Ranger, earned bronze against powerhouse Division I programs Saint Joseph’s and Marist. The novice four took gold in a race that began with 17 boats, over half of them NCAA Division I crews. Coxswain Valera Noland ’28 boldly took the lead from the start and never gave it up. Rowers Jordan Wilson, Nicole Schwartz, Lilly Jordan, and Emma Baron—all plebes who had never rowed before West Point—finished with a winning time of 7:59.

Army Men’s Crew also delivered a strong performance in highly competitive events. The men’s varsity eight and novice eight each earned bronze, finishing behind top Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) teams such as Temple and Fairfield. The varsity four turned in an impressive time of 6:44—just six seconds behind race winners Drexel and two seconds shy of third-place Mercyhurst. Notably, Ryan Thein ’28 stepped in for an injured teammate, racing in both eights and medaling in each. He rowed starboard for the varsity and port for the novice—an impressive and demanding feat.

These victories added another proud chapter to Army Crew’s legacy and demonstrated the team’s resilience and unity under pressure.

At the heart of this success was Head Women’s Coach and Officer in Charge, COL Thomas Babbitt ’99. Serving selflessly for nearly a decade, COL Babbitt trained hundreds of rowers, transforming them into resilient athletes and leaders through motivational coaching, disciplined workouts, and strategic planning. He gave up spring breaks for intense training camps and stood by his athletes through every storm. At his final national championship, his parting words to the Varsity Women’s Eight—“Be resilient and execute with violence”—echoed in their victory. His leadership will be missed, but his legacy will endure in the spirit he instilled in Army Crew.

Photo: Gold Medal winners from the Varsity Women’s eight: COL Thomas Babbitt ’99, Elliot Zugel ’27, Sheyla Street ’25, Megan DeClue ’26, Hailey Bovino ’27, Amelia Cropper ’27, Gretchen Russell ’26, Becca Galbraith ’27, Harper Libbert ’25, and Kennedy Hecker ’26

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