Embry-Riddle Wins First-Ever NCAA DII Rowing Championship in 2025

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On Saturday, May 31, Embry Riddle won its first-ever DII rowing title. With 26 points, Embry Riddle won the 2025 championship, surpassing Humboldt and Western Washington, who had 24 and 21 points, respectively.

The NCAA.com selection show for the 2025 DII rowing championship began on Tuesday, May 20. Six teams made up the field, three of which received at-large bids and three of which received automatic bids through conferences.

The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and The Ivy League hosted the event at Lake Mercer in West Windsor, New Jersey, from Friday, May 30 to Saturday, May 31.

2025 NCAA DII rowing championship schedule of events

All days of competition will be live-streamed on NCAA.com.

All times ET.

Tuesday, May 20 | Selection show
- Live streamed on NCAA.com
Friday, May 30 | Day 1 | Results
- Morning session full replay
- Afternoon session full replay
Saturday, May 31 | Day 2 | Schedule/results
- Morning session full replay
- Evening session full replay
- Final results:
  - 🏆 Embry Riddle — 26
  - Humboldt — 24
  - Western Washington — 21
  - Seattle Pacific — 13
  - Central Oklahoma — 13
  - Jefferson — 8

History of NCAA DII Rowing Championship-

The NCAA DII Women’s Rowing Championship debuted in 2002, bringing together the top DII programs to compete across two events: the Varsity 8+ and Varsity 4+ races. Team scores are calculated by awarding points based on placements in each event, with the highest aggregate point total crowned as national champion. Since its inception, very few programs have dominated—most notably Western Washington, which captured its ninth title in 2024 by edging Mercyhurst by a single point, 22–21, at Bethel, Ohio.

From 2005 through 2011, Western Washington established a dynasty by winning seven consecutive national titles under coach John Fuchs. Their string of victories (2005–2011) set the standard for excellence in DII rowing, and they added an eighth title in 2017 and a ninth in 2024, showcasing unparalleled consistency and depth across both eights and fours. Other programs that have risen to prominence include Mercyhurst (champions in 2004 and 2022), Barry University (2015, 2016), Nova Southeastern (2013), Cal Poly Humboldt (2012, 2014, 2023), and Central Oklahoma (2018, 2019, 2021). Embry-Riddle captured its first title in 2025, demonstrating the evolving competitive balance within DII rowing.

Below is the full list of NCAA DII Women’s Rowing Team Champions from 2002 through 2024:

Year	Champion	Points	Runner-Up	Points	Host or Site
2024	Western Washington	22	Mercyhurst	21	Bethel, OH
2023	Cal Poly Humboldt	30	Central Oklahoma	25	Pennsauken, N.J.
2022	Mercyhurst	30	Western Washington	19	Sarasota, Fla.
2021	Central Oklahoma	20	Mercyhurst	15	Sarasota, Fla.
2020	Canceled due to Covid-19	—	—	—	—
2019	Central Oklahoma	30	Florida Tech	23	Indianapolis
2018	Central Oklahoma	18	Western Washington	14	Sarasota, Fla.
2017	Western Washington	17	Central Oklahoma	16	West Windsor, N.J.
2016	Barry	20	Central Oklahoma	15	Gold River, Calif.
2015	Barry	20	Mercyhurst	15	Gold River, Calif.
2014	Humboldt State	16	Nova Southeastern	15	Indianapolis
2013	Nova Southeastern	20	Barry	15	Indianapolis
2012	Humboldt State	20	Western Washington	13	West Windsor, N.J.
2011	Western Washington	20	Mercyhurst	13	Gold River, Calif.
2010	Western Washington	20	Seattle Pacific	11	Lake Natoma, Calif.
2009	Western Washington	18	Mercyhurst	13	Cherry Hill, N.J.
2008	Western Washington	20	UC San Diego	15	Lake Natoma, Calif.
2007	Western Washington	20	UC San Diego	11	Knoxville, Tenn.
2006	Western Washington	20	Barry	15	West Windsor, N.J.
2005	Western Washington	20	Mercyhurst	12	Sacramento
2004	Mercyhurst	18	Humboldt State	17	Sacramento
2003	UC Davis	20	Western Washington	15	Indianapolis
2002	UC Davis	50	Western Washington	45	Indianapolis