The Western Washington women's rowing program secured its 10th NCAA Division II national title at the 2026 Championships, dominating both the varsity 8+ and varsity 4+ races. This win continues their legacy after claiming the trophy in 2024. With a record number of championships, WWU leads the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, which has won four of the last six national titles since rowing became a conference sport in 2020. The championship day was shortened to a single competition due to weather concerns, but the Vikings delivered a strong performance, highlighted by their varsity 8+ victory.

By the Numbers
  • WWU's varsity 8+ won with a time of 6:41.526, a 3.206 margin over second-place Seattle Pacific.
  • The Vikings' 10-point margin of victory is the second-largest in championship history.
State of Play
  • Cal Poly Humboldt finished as national runner-up with a total of 20 points.
  • Seattle Pacific secured third place with 17 points, primarily from their varsity 8+ performance.
What's Next

The Vikings will aim to defend their title in the upcoming season, while the conference teams look to close the gap in future championships. Continued success and competition within the Great Northwest Athletic Conference are expected as programs develop their rosters and strategies.

Bottom Line

WWU's historic 10th national title reaffirms its dominance in NCAA women's rowing, setting a high bar for both current competitors and future challengers.