Top Teams

1. Brown

Player of the Year Washington junior Anna Mickelson was part of the U.S. Four that took gold at the Nation's Cup Regatta (the under-23 world championships) in Copenhagen. Expect her to lead the Huskies' varsity eight boat to similar success this year.

Predictability is the hallmark of women's collegiate rowing. Since NCAA competition began in the sport in 1997, there have been only two champions -- Washington and Brown. Last season the Bears went 8-0, winning the Eastern Sprint championships and the Ivy League and national titles. This spring expect more of the same. Brown graduated six from its varsity eight boat, but with seniors Erin Kelley and Portia Johnson back anchoring the stroke and bow positions, respectively, the transition should be a smooth one. "We have confidence that we can do it again if things go our way." says Brown's John Murphy. We're here to predict that things will.

2. Washington
The Huskies are powered by junior Anna Mickelson, but will the loss of Sabina Telenska at stroke prove too tough to overcome?

3. Princeton
After a win last fall in the Head of the Charles, the Tigers look to improve on last year's sixth-place finish.

4. Virginia
The Cavaliers will count on junior All-America Barbra Sheehan.

5. Michigan
Two-time All-America senior Kate Johnson is back at stroke for the Wolverines.

6. California
It's a rebuilding year for the Bears, who nevertheless will challenge Washington in the Pac-10.

7. USC
Junior stroke Ivelina Boteva, a two-time All-Pac-10 rower, hopes to close the gap that separates the Trojans from Washington and Cal in the Pac-10.

8. Radcliffe
Senior Holly Fling, at seven seat, leads five returners on the varsity eight.

9. Yale
Sophomore Melissa Merritt joined Washington's Mickelson last summer on the victorious U.S. Four at the Nation's Cup.

10. Ohio State
The Buckeyes will count on junior Conny Kirsch, a second-team All-America.

Lower Divisions

In the NCAA championships all divisions currently row in the same competition. The NCAA will hold its first Division III championships beginning in 2002.

Hot Dates

May 14
Pac-10 championships, Sacramento

May 24-26
NCAA championships, Lake Lanier, Gainesville, Ga.

Cybersources

www.usrowing.org
U.S. Rowing's official site has info for both recreational and Olympic rowers.

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