Nov. 27, 2012
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State rowing head coach Jennifer Lewis announced the signing of six student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Tuesday. The incoming freshmen will row for the Aztecs beginning with the 2013-14 season.
"We are excited for the strength and potential of our 2013 freshmen class," Lewis said. "All of these young women have the integrity and values we look for in a recruit and they will be great assets to our future results."
Cassandra Houy (Washington, D.C./St. Johns College HS) will be joining the SDSU rowing program as a coxswain. Houy brings over three years experience in the position and was the captain of her rowing team. The Washington, D.C., native was voted her team's most valuable player and has been a member of the varsity team since her freshman year.
Melissa McCormack (Folsom, Calif./Folsom HS) comes to The Mesa from the Upper Natoma Rowing Club. McCormack has two years of rowing experience under her belt. The Folsom, Calif., native has yet to decide what she will study in the fall.
Rachel Borden (Tempe, Ariz./Horizon Honors HS) will arrive at San Diego State in the fall, intending to major in biology. Borden has rowed for over four years and comes from the Tempe Junior Crew. The Tempe, Ariz., native placed 10th overall at the 2012 US Rowing Junior Nationals.
Stuti Desai (Cypress, Calif./Los Alamitos HS) is the second coxswain to sign with the Aztecs. The four-year veteran has rowed with the Long Beach Junior Crew and placed fifth in the 2011 US Rowing Junior Nationals in the Lightweight 8+.
Paige Gugino (El Dorado Hills, Calif./Oak Ridge HS) will join her Upper Natoma Rowing Club teammate, McCormack, on the SDSU squad in the fall. The two-year crew veteran plans on majoring in education/liberal arts.
Christa Carrillo (Chino Hills, Calif./Ruben S Ayala HS) is a three-sport athlete that will row for the Aztecs in the fall. The basketball, track and volleyball player has proven to be a standout both in the classroom and on the playing field. The Chino Hills, Calif., native has maintained above a 3.5 GPA throughout high school. Carrillo has been a member of the varsity team in each of the three sports she participates in and has been voted the team's MVP in both basketball and track.
The Aztecs will kick off their spring schedule on March 9 when they take to the water to face UC San Diego.