The Cornell women’s rowing team will compete in the 2026 Ivy League Women’s Rowing Championship at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, with heats beginning on Saturday, May 16 and finals on Sunday, May 17. Both days of racing will be available via live stream on ESPN+ for domestic viewers and Stretch Internet internationally.
This event is important as it determines the top women’s rowing program in the Ivy League and awards several trophies based on race outcomes. Teams must advance through heats to reach Grand Finals, with the highest cumulative point totals earning additional honors.
Steve Coppola, The Staley Head Coach of Women’s Rowing, said, “The team is a lot stronger than when we were here last year. When we’ve had good conditions, we’ve been able to run with everyone. We’re really hoping for a clean run of the course throughout Ivies.” Coppola also commented on specific boats: “The 3V4+ medaled at Sprints. Hoping they can do that again this weekend.” He added about senior leadership: “The best part about our seniors is that they all stepped up this year and found ways to lead the program in their own way. They didn’t need to be a captain to lead. It was a sign of the unity of the class that they were able to find ways to contribute at all levels and in all aspects of the program.” Looking ahead to competition goals under favorable weather conditions he stated: “The goal is to set some season PRs in each boat. We can’t worry about what anyone else is doing unless we start there.”
Cornell’s varsity eights have shown improvement over last season and are aiming for strong performances across all boats during both days of racing. Senior captains Isabella Capelli and Josie Moskowitz have played key roles in keeping focus within the squad.
Three major trophies will be awarded after Sunday’s races: one for best finish in the First Varsity Eight Grand Final (team champion), another for highest cumulative points across all boats (team points trophy), and an NCAA automatic qualifier trophy based on results from select events.
Racing begins Saturday afternoon with multiple heats; only top three finishers from each heat advance directly into Sunday’s Grand Finals while others compete in Petite Finals. Sunday’s schedule starts at 8 a.m., culminating with an awards ceremony at 10:50 a.m.
