Rowing Honored with Excellence in Community Engagement Award
April 08, 2026 01:00 PM | Rowing
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University rowing team has been named the recipient of the 2026 Athletics Award by the WVU Center for Community Engagement, recognizing its exceptional commitment to civic and community involvement across the state of West Virginia.
Presented annually, the Excellence in Community Engagement Awards celebrate the best of West Virginia University's efforts in engaged learning and community impact across all campuses. The awards honor individuals and groups who exemplify WVU's core values of Service, Curiosity, Respect, Accountability and Appreciation.
"Community service has always been an integral part of our team experience," coach Jimmy King said. "We're very fortunate to represent WVU in all we do and appreciate the Center for Community Engagement recognizing our efforts. I particularly want to thank Coach Griffith who coordinates our activities along with our rowers and coxswains who represent our team so well!"
WVU Rowing earned distinction in the Athletics category, standing out among nominees from across the University for their leadership and dedication to making a difference beyond competition.
"I love being able to relay the positive messages from our community partners to our athletes and to see our athletes laugh and engage with the community members," associate head coach Tina Griffith said. "The student athletes play in the gym or read to our Skyview kids, visit elder care facilities to play bingo and chat, make care packages for Veterans and everything in between. It is extremely rewarding and worth every moment, especially when we see them really get into it, suggest activities, and even go off on their own and volunteer outside of the team setting."
From volunteer initiatives to community outreach and advocacy efforts, WVU rowing student-athletes have consistently gone above and beyond to support and uplift communities across the Mountain State. The program's commitment to service remains a cornerstone of its culture, reinforcing the role of student-athletes as leaders on the water and in the community.
WVU Rowing is the second recipient of the University's Athletics Award, as WVU Potomac State College Athletics became the first to earn the honor in 2025. Additionally, rowers Grace Cronen (2024) and Helena Radford (2023) were previously recognized as Service Athlete of the Year by the WVU Center for Community Engagement, further highlighting the program's longstanding commitment to service.
Presented annually, the Excellence in Community Engagement Awards celebrate the best of West Virginia University's efforts in engaged learning and community impact across all campuses. The awards honor individuals and groups who exemplify WVU's core values of Service, Curiosity, Respect, Accountability and Appreciation.
"Community service has always been an integral part of our team experience," coach Jimmy King said. "We're very fortunate to represent WVU in all we do and appreciate the Center for Community Engagement recognizing our efforts. I particularly want to thank Coach Griffith who coordinates our activities along with our rowers and coxswains who represent our team so well!"
WVU Rowing earned distinction in the Athletics category, standing out among nominees from across the University for their leadership and dedication to making a difference beyond competition.
"I love being able to relay the positive messages from our community partners to our athletes and to see our athletes laugh and engage with the community members," associate head coach Tina Griffith said. "The student athletes play in the gym or read to our Skyview kids, visit elder care facilities to play bingo and chat, make care packages for Veterans and everything in between. It is extremely rewarding and worth every moment, especially when we see them really get into it, suggest activities, and even go off on their own and volunteer outside of the team setting."
From volunteer initiatives to community outreach and advocacy efforts, WVU rowing student-athletes have consistently gone above and beyond to support and uplift communities across the Mountain State. The program's commitment to service remains a cornerstone of its culture, reinforcing the role of student-athletes as leaders on the water and in the community.
WVU Rowing is the second recipient of the University's Athletics Award, as WVU Potomac State College Athletics became the first to earn the honor in 2025. Additionally, rowers Grace Cronen (2024) and Helena Radford (2023) were previously recognized as Service Athlete of the Year by the WVU Center for Community Engagement, further highlighting the program's longstanding commitment to service.
Players Mentioned
R
/ RowingAlumni Series | Rachel Viglianco Wagner
Monday, April 06
Alumni Series | Kate Brownson
Thursday, March 12
Alumni Series | Barb Navarini Higgins
Tuesday, February 24
Alumni Series | Lori Sherlock
Saturday, February 07
