:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/522947/uvarowing.1349287880.jpg)
USRowing and row2k Media have narrowed down the finalists for the USRowing Fan's Choice Awards in each of the "Rower of the Year" and "Coach of the Year" categories, and Virginia has a nominee in both of the collegiate categories! Senior captain Kristine O'Brien is one of five finalists for the Collegiate Rower of the Year award, while Head Coach Kevin Sauer is one of five finalists for the College Coach of the Year.
A part of the 2012 Varsity Eight that won the NCAA Championship, O'Brien's rowing career has been marked with accolades and championships, including the 2010, 2011 and 2012 ACC Champion V8 crews and 2010 and 2012 ACC Crew of the Year honors. She is also a world champion in U23 U.S. women's eight. Click here to vote for Kristine O'Brien, College Rower of the Year!
Coach Sauer is in his 18th season as head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers and guided the team to their second national championship in three years. He was named the National Coach of the Year by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) for the second time and five Cavaliers were named First-Team All-Americans, the most in school history. Under his leadership, the Cavaliers are one of just six schools to have ever won the NCAA Team Championship. Click here to vote for Kevin Sauer, Collegiate Coach of the Year!
Current UVA Assistant Coach Brett Sickler is also nominated for Collegiate Coach of the Year for her work at Michigan last year as an assistant coach. She helped lead the Wolverines to a second place finish at last year's NCAA Championships.