Lawless Named ACC Rowing Scholar-Athlete of the Year

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Virginia’s Nicola Lawless was named ACC Rowing Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the conference announced Wednesday (June 15). In addition, Lawless was joined on the All-ACC Academic Rowing Team by 17 other UVA rowers. The 18 student-athletes on the All-ACC Academic team marked a program high, surpassing 16 on the 2005-06 team.

Lawless, who graduated as a double major in biology and cognitive science, is a two-time ACC champion and three-time All-ACC Academic team honoree.

Rowing in the 4-seat of UVA’s Varsity Eight, Lawless helped the Cavaliers to their 12th consecutive ACC championship and 21st overall in the 22 years of the event. The London, England, native earned All-ACC first-team honors as UVA’s Varsity Eight earned ACC Crew of the Year and won the conference title in the event. Lawless was also a part of UVA’s 12th-place finish at this year’s NCAA Championships as the Cavaliers finished ninth nationally as a team.

Tahne Badenhorst, Lauren Benedict, Cameron Bentley, Lily Bernero, Janet Conklin, Helene Dimitrijev, Eva Frohnhofer, Kate Kelly, Grace Lebo, Addison Luce, Kate McGee, Ailbhe O’Grady, Lauren Orr, Sonja Schlosser, Zoe Tekeian, Leia Till and ViVi Van Ingen joined Lawless on the All-ACC Academic team.

Lawless joined former Cavaliers Sophia Kershner (2021), Heidi Long (2019), Georgia Ratcliff (2017), Tessa Dikkers (2016), Sarah Coburn (2013), Sarah Borchelt (2012 & 2011), Jennifer Cromwell (2010) and current associate head coach Kelsie Chaudoin (2008) as ACC scholar-athletes of the year.

To be nominated for the All-ACC Academic team, student-athletes must have recorded a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average in the winter semester and have maintained a 3.0 career GPA at their respective schools. Athletic achievements during the most recent season are also considered in selecting the All-ACC Rowing Academic team.