MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's rowing has officially inked their first recruit for 2021 as Isabella Brakhage signed her NLI today. 

Brakhage hails from Lafayette, Colo. and was a multiple-sport varsity athlete in high school. At Peak to Peak Charter, she lettered in both swimming and tennis and excelled in both sports. 

In the pool, Brakhage broke school records in the 200 individual medley as well as the 100 breaststroke and was named Most Valuable Swimmer on her team thrice. On the courts, she helped her team win the state championship for the first time in school history. 

Brakhage said she was excited by the challenge of rowing, something she has never competed in, and is looking forward to the experience of competing on a college team. 

"I chose Saint Mary's because it felt like the institution I would be able to challenge myself in while being supported by a close-knit community. I wanted a place where I could grow as a student, athlete, and person and Saint Mary's felt like a location I could do that. I also loved the location and the fact that I can do so many things outside of the campus as well." 

"Isabella is a standout athlete and student and has exactly the type of mindset we are looking for," said head coach Anna Pytlak. "She will be an instant contributor to the positive, competitive team culture we are building."