Two members of Sacred Heart University’s rowing team have earned national recognition before the spring season begins; sophomore Lily Holt and freshman Kaela Borelli were named to the For Stars Network (FSN) 2026 Watchlist.
The FSN Watchlist highlights 196 Division I women’s rowing athletes, 17 coxswains and 179 rowers, nationwide, recognizing competitors who demonstrate elite performance, leadership and long-term potential. Holt and Borelli were among the 179 rowers selected.
“It’s definitely one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” said Holt. “We get up early and take a 30-minute bus to practice there and back. A lot of cardio, teamwork and mental toughness go into it.”
Rowing is often an overlooked sport on campus, but the grind behind the program is anything but easy.
“It’s not really a sport seen on campus as much,” said Holt. “People don’t always know how much work truly goes into the rowing team.”
That work ethic defined Holt’s career long before college. She ended her high school career finishing in third place at the Scholastic Rowing National Championships, showing she’s not a stranger to national recognition.
“It means so much, but I owe it to my teammates because I wouldn’t be here without them,” said Holt.
Borelli, who is in her first collegiate season, said she found out about the honor through a teammate rather than an official announcement.
“I wasn’t really expecting it,” said Borelli. “Seeing my name on it was pretty cool because I don’t know if I ever imagined that it would be.”
Borelli described rowing as both a team and mental sport, especially during the winter months when training takes place indoors.
“You’re by yourself on the machines, but on the water, you’re all working together for a common goal,” said Borelli.
Both athletes said the fall and winter seasons laid the foundation for spring competition.
Borelli said the team’s time apart during winter break made their reunion more meaningful.
“Coming back together, we’re able to push each other and really see that it’s not just for yourself, but for the team,” said Borelli.
“The culture and the standards start from day one,” said Holt. “If the culture’s not tough and rock solid, then we can’t compete that strong together.”
Despite being an individual honor, both athletes said the recognition reflects the team as a whole.
“I’ve done every sport in the book, and this made me dig deeper than I ever thought I would,” said Holt.
The duo agreed the team’s goals remain unchanged this spring season ahead.
“We’re getting national recognition, and we’re working for more of that,” said Borelli.
The rowing team has their first meet of the spring season on April 3, in Coventry, Conn.
Sacred Heart Athletics contributed to this article.
Source: Instagram, @sacredheartwrow
