The selection show for the 2025 DII rowing championship was broadcast on NCAA.com on Tuesday, May 20. There are six teams in the field; three receive at-large bids, and three receive automatic berths through conferences.
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and the Ivy League are hosting 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
- Saturday, May 31 | Day 2
History of NCAA DII Rowing Championship-
The NCAA DII Rowing Championship was first held in 2002 and has since grown into a highly competitive national event that brings together top rowing programs from across the country. Organized by the NCAA, the championship features two primary events — the Varsity 8+ and the Varsity 4+ races. The overall team champion is determined by combining the results from both events, emphasizing depth and consistency across a team’s lineup.
Western Washington University has been the most dominant program in DII rowing history, winning a record eight national titles, including a remarkable streak of seven consecutive championships from 2005 to 2011. Other programs that have made their mark include Mercyhurst University, which won titles in 2004, 2022, and 2023; Barry University, champions in 2015 and 2016; and Nova Southeastern, which captured back-to-back titles in 2013 and 2014. More recently, Florida Tech claimed its first championship in 2021, while Central Oklahoma emerged as a strong contender with back-to-back wins in 2018 and 2019.
The event is typically held at premier rowing venues like Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida, and Cooper River in Pennsauken, New Jersey, offering fair and fast racing conditions. Teams are selected from across the country, with a balance of automatic qualifiers and at-large selections to ensure competitive diversity.
The NCAA DII Rowing Championship has become a showcase of athleticism, teamwork, and endurance. While powerhouse programs have traditionally dominated, the field continues to expand with emerging contenders making deep runs. With each passing year, the championship reflects the growing depth and talent within DII rowing.
In 2024, Western Washington took home the DII rowing championship, beating out Mercyhurst by one point. Find the full list of past DII rowing champions below.
| 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 |
