JRN End of Season Awards

Our Women’s First Eight led the charge in what has been one of NUBC’s most successful seasons to date. After winning gold at BUCS regatta, and reaching the final of Henley Royal Regatta, these girls have dominated the UK university rowing programmes, and their achievements have not gone unnoticed. 

Their performances and results earned this crew two JRN “End of Season” awards: 

• The UK Student Crew of the Year 2025

• The Henley Royal Regatta: Race of the Event 2025 

These awards recognise not only the effort, teamwork and achievements of this past season, but also the culture of support and passion that defines NUBC. They are a testament to what has been achieved, and they have paved the way for future seasons to come.

“To end my time at Newcastle with these girls has been the icing on the cake of the most amazing 4 years in somewhere that I would now call my home and these people my family. Alex and Angelo and the rest of the coaching team have been nothing but supportive and have pushed us to our limits to make a bunch of pretty average girls into something pretty special so I cannot thank them enough. I’m going to miss this team!”

Holly Youd (Women’s Captain 2024/25)

”Even in that incredibly tight race with Brookes, there wasn’t a stroke where I doubted that the girls would find the extra gear that was necessary when I asked for it. That sprint is more than a representation of physiology, it’s a sign of deeper resilience and courage that I’d not witnessed until coxing this crew. This very special group of women will always have a place in my heart.”

Elin Thomas (Cox)

“It was a fantastic season in which we achieved more than I ever imagined. Winning BUCS regatta was such a highlight and doing it with such an amazing groups of people and friends was something I will never forget.”

Harriet Taylor (Stroke)

“I’m so proud to have finished my time at Newcastle as part of this crew. The Henley campaign was the perfect way to end, showcasing the unrelenting spirit and determination that define this club.”

Rachel Bradley (7)

“Through the wins and the losses, what never changed was the spirit and fight of this crew - I’ll always remember the feeling of the boat lifting in the last 250m of the semi- final through the enclosures. We had an amazing squad and generations of alumni rooting for us all the way. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to be part of something so special, or meet such incredible people.”

Scarlette Rijkse (6)

“I’m so proud to have raced with such a special group of girls this year. They’ve taught me so much about myself and the sport, and the experiences and memories are some I’ll never forget. the results were a testament to the dedication and teamwork of the 8 and I feel so grateful to be a part of such a cool journey.”

Tia Lenihan (5)

“The Henley campaign with the girls was a great experience and one that I am very grateful to be part of. Making it to the final was a great reward for the hard work put in throughout the season.”

Lucy Webber (4)

“The Eight was a brillaint project to be part of, and I’m grateful to have rowed alongside such talented athletes — all shaped by the Blue Star women before us. Our eventual speed was built on the drive of all those who pushed us.

With Alex and Angelo’s guidance, I look forward to seeing the next generation grow. There’s no doubt they will keep producing athletes with the same guts and spirit we’ve seen countlessly from Newcastle crews.”

Annie Bates (3)

“Working and training alongside this group of women was one of the most rewarding experiences of my rowing career. I learned so much from every member of this crew and will always carry those lessons and the memories of the season with me.”

Megan Johnston (2)

“I am incredibly proud of what NUBC has achieved this season. Our results at HRR were only possible because of all the support we had around us - from the teammates and coaches that pushed us each training session to those that have paved the way in previous years.

I feel extremely lucky to have been part of this crew. Each member brought their own strengths to the boat which resulted in a season to remember and friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Lucy Thomson (Bow)