Eleven student-athletes from Duquesne University's rowing team received the 2026 CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award, recognizing their academic achievements and commitment to the sport. Among the honorees are seniors Cherise Dicke and junior Serena DeCosmo, alongside several sophomores and freshmen. All recipients achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and actively participated in 75% of the team's spring races. This marks the first time all 11 athletes have earned the award.

By the Numbers
  • 11 Duquesne rowers earned the 2026 CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award.
  • The team's spring semester GPA was 3.3738, with 38 athletes achieving a GPA of 3.00 or higher.
Yes, But

While the achievement highlights academic success, there are challenges ahead for maintaining or improving team performance, particularly in balancing athletics and rigorous academic demands.

State of Play
  • The Dukes finished fifth at the 2026 Atlantic 10 Championship, their best result in ten years.
  • Duquesne's rowing team has a growing roster of high-achieving student-athletes, reflecting a strong commitment to academics.
What's Next

The team aims to build on its recent achievements as they prepare for the upcoming rowing season, focusing on maintaining academic excellence alongside competitive performance.

Bottom Line

The Duquesne rowing team's recognition as CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award winners underscores the importance of balancing academic rigor with athletic commitment, setting a precedent for future success.