PULLMAN, Wash. (July 16, 2024) – Washington State Women's Rowing Head Coach Jane LaRiviere announced five additions to what was already the largest recruiting class in WSU Women's rowing history on Tuesday.

"These five women complete an already exceptional class," said LaRiviere. "They are athletic, academic, and phenomenal people. We are excited to welcome them to Pullman! The future of Cougar rowing is in good hands!"

Sam Eden | 5-8 | Southern Methodist University | St. Peters School | Auckland, New Zealand
The Auckland, New Zealand native comes to Pullman as a transfer from SMU where she was a 2023-24 AAC Champion. She also finished second at the AAC Championships in the 1V8 before making an NCAA Appearance in the 2V8. In her home country, she has been part of the New Zealand U18 North Island team in the women's quad and double. Eden is the daughter of Paul and Deanne.

Eden on joining WSU Rowing: "When considering Washington State, several things aligned with my identity as a rower and student athlete. The competitive program and supportive community offer valuable opportunities for growth, development, and achievement for me personally as a student-athlete. The coaches' dedication and commitment to the team's success really stood out. I am excited about reaching for personal goals and success with such a great team. I am excited to wear the Crimson and Gray soon!"


Wendy Kissinger | 6-0 | University City HS | San Diego, Calif.
Kissinger comes to the Palouse from San Diego where she was a member of the San Diego Rowing Club. In high school, she was also a conference player of the year in Volleyball. Kissinger graduated with a 4.5 GPA and was a National Merit Commended Student. She is the daughter of Charles Kissinger and Karen Maegley, and intends to study architecture at WSU.

Kissinger on joining WSU Rowing: "Being new to the sport I found the patience and support of the WSU coaches to be very helpful as I decided my priorities within rowing and my higher education. When speaking to the coaches, I could tell that, in addition to building a highly competitive program, they were building a very positive culture that I knew I could thrive in."


Savannah Sennott | 5-8 | Orange Coast CC | El Segundo, Calif.
Comes to the Palouse as a transfer from Orange Coast CC where she rowed and earned the Heart and Hustle Star award. Academically she was named to both the Deans List and Presidents List last season. In addition to rowing, Eden competed in volleyball, dance and cheerleading at El Segundo High School. The daughter of Nina Sennott, she intends to major in communications or economics.

Sennott on joining WSU Rowing: "Washington State Rowing stood out to me for many reasons.  First and foremost, I understood it to be a culture that rewards hard work by providing an environment where anyone can earn their place on the team.  Second, there is an expectation that you will continue to grow and improve within the sport.  This constant focus on striving to hit ever more challenging goals has always been a value that I expect for myself; and it will continue to make such a difference throughout my career.  Finally, the spirit of camaraderie between the girls means the world to me because working together gives you a feeling of family.  I will not only be working hard for myself, but for my teammates also. This will enable me to grow far more than I ever expected."


Emery Town | 5-6 | Holy Names Academy | Normandy Park, Wash.
Joins the Cougs from the west side of the state where she went to Head of the Charles in the V4 and 2V8, and got sixth at Youth Nationals in her junior season. As a senior she raced again at the Head of the Charles in the V4. She is the daughter of Bill Town and Nikki Wildfang.

Town on Signing with WSU: " As I evaluated what I was looking for as a future collegiate athlete, it was important in finding both the academic program and rowing community that resonated with me. WSU offered both! Getting to know the coaching staff and experience the supportive team environment they have built solidified my decision that WSU would be the right place to call home for the next 4 years. Go Cougs!"


Megan Van Leeuwen | 5-10 | Pukekohe HS | Auckland, New Zealand
Comes to the Palouse from Auckland, New Zealand where was a member of the top school crew of the year all four years, and as a senior, was Top-10 in the Maadi Cup Award and won the Best Performing Club Crew Award. In addition to that, she has also competed with the Auckland Interprovincial Team, and worked out at the New Zealand Under-19 Development Camp. She is the daughter of Patrick and Angelique and intends to major in Agricultural Science.

Van Leeuwen on joining WSU Rowing: " For me personally, I had the confidence that Washington State was a suitable match as it presented great opportunity for me as a younger athlete, not only as an ideal learning environment for my interest in the agricultural sciences, but for me to grow and explore my potential within the sport that I love so much. Go Cougs!"

For more information on the WSU women's rowing team, follow @WSUCougarRowing on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.