Photo by: Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner
ROW | Huckel and Nelson Named to 2026 WCC Preseason Team
2/26/2026 10:01:00 AM | Women's Rowing
SAN BRUNO, Calif. — With their 2026 season on the horizon, the Saint Mary's rowing team has earned early recognition, as two student-athletes have been named to the All-West Coast Conference Rowing Preseason Team. Both senior Carolyn Huckel and sophomore Kelly Nelson were named as honorees, marking the first time each has earned the distinction.
Huckel is in her fourth season of rowing with the Gaels. The senior out of Doylestown, Pennsylvania rowed bow for the Gaels in every race a season ago, and helped lead them to six race wins at that time.
Nelson is headed into her second season with Saint Mary's. A local product out of Burlingame, California, Nelson rowed in the two spot for every race last year, and, like Huckel, helped the Gaels to their six wins. Nelson was also named the 2025 Saint Mary's Newcomer of the Year at the 20th annual Gael Awards.
"Carolyn and Kelly have been two standouts on our team this fall, both on land and on the water," head Coach Brian Ebke said. "They both exemplify what it means to be a Gael rower - tough, smart, committed, and competitive. And, they both come alive on the race course and are the type of racer you are glad to have in your boat at the starting line. We are excited for them to help lead us into our spring racing season!"
2026 Rowing Coaches Preseason Poll
1. Oregon State - 81 points (9)
2. Gonzaga - 70 points (1)
3. Washington State - 68 points
4. Sacramento State - 55 points
5. San Diego - 48 points
6. Saint Mary's - 43 points
7. Portland - 32 points
8. Creighton - 26 points
9. Santa Clara - 15 points
10. Seattle U - 12 points
The Gaels will row in their first event of the spring on Saturday, March 7 at the Sacramento Invitational at Lake Natoma.
#GaelsRise
Huckel is in her fourth season of rowing with the Gaels. The senior out of Doylestown, Pennsylvania rowed bow for the Gaels in every race a season ago, and helped lead them to six race wins at that time.
Nelson is headed into her second season with Saint Mary's. A local product out of Burlingame, California, Nelson rowed in the two spot for every race last year, and, like Huckel, helped the Gaels to their six wins. Nelson was also named the 2025 Saint Mary's Newcomer of the Year at the 20th annual Gael Awards.
"Carolyn and Kelly have been two standouts on our team this fall, both on land and on the water," head Coach Brian Ebke said. "They both exemplify what it means to be a Gael rower - tough, smart, committed, and competitive. And, they both come alive on the race course and are the type of racer you are glad to have in your boat at the starting line. We are excited for them to help lead us into our spring racing season!"
2026 Rowing Coaches Preseason Poll
1. Oregon State - 81 points (9)
2. Gonzaga - 70 points (1)
3. Washington State - 68 points
4. Sacramento State - 55 points
5. San Diego - 48 points
6. Saint Mary's - 43 points
7. Portland - 32 points
8. Creighton - 26 points
9. Santa Clara - 15 points
10. Seattle U - 12 points
The Gaels will row in their first event of the spring on Saturday, March 7 at the Sacramento Invitational at Lake Natoma.
#GaelsRise
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing
/ Women's Rowing
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