The University of Portland's rowing team saw standout performances as Veronica Conklin and Tania Hernandez earned spots on the 2025 West Coast Conference All-Academic First Team. The Pilots led all teams with a total of 22 academic honorees, which included 20 honorable mentions. To qualify, student-athletes must have at least a 3.20 GPA and have participated in at least half of their team's competitions. Conklin boasts a 3.95 GPA majoring in mechanical engineering, while Hernandez holds a perfect 4.0 GPA in sports business.

By the Numbers
  • 22 total academic honorees from Portland, the highest among 10 WCC institutions.
  • Conklin: 3.95 GPA in mechanical engineering; Hernandez: 4.0 GPA in sports business.
State of Play
  • The WCC's All-Academic First Team recognizes athletes demonstrating both academic and athletic excellence.
  • Portland's rowing team has a strong academic foundation, showcasing commitment beyond competition.
What's Next

As the season progresses, the focus will shift toward how these students perform both in their academic responsibilities and upcoming rowing competitions, potentially setting a precedent for future student-athletes in the program.

Bottom Line

Portland's achievement in the WCC All-Academic honors underscores the importance of balancing academic excellence with athletics, reflecting a culture that can inspire impending generations of athletes.