KINGSTON, R.I. - Eight members of the Rhode Island rowing team received National Scholar-Athlete recognition from the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association following the completion of the 2025 championship season.

Bella Bruno, Maia Hembruff, Payton Klein, Bethany Nordstrom, Costanza Proietti, Anna Smith, Lily Stasaitis and Evelyn Tabor were honored by the organization for their respective academic efforts. The award is reserved for student-athletes in their second, third or fourth year of eligibility who competed in at least 75 percent of their team's spring races while also maintaining a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher for her career through the fall semester/quarter for the current competition year.

Each of the eight women played a key role in helping URI win its 11th Atlantic 10 Championship back in May. Bruno and Nordstrom were part of the Varsity 8+ crew that clinched the team's title with its flight win. Klein and Tabor rowed in the Second Varsity 8+, while Hembruff, Proietti, Smith and Stasaitis competed in the Varsity 4+.  

For Bruno, Nordstrom, Stasaitis and Tabor, it is the second straight season of earning such distinction. The full list of honorees can be viewed HERE.