The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Rowing, Volleyball attend White House’s NCAA Championship ceremony
07.22.2024 | Texas Athletics, Rowing, Volleyball
The University of Texas Rowing and Volleyball teams attended the White House’s NCAA Championship ceremony Monday in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON – The University of Texas Rowing and Volleyball teams attended the White House’s NCAA Champions event Monday, celebrating both squads’ NCAA Championships during the 2023-24 academic year.
With about 50 championship teams across NCAA Division I, II and III in attendance on a rainy Monday morning, Texas student-athletes Ella Swindle (Volleyball) and Lanie Nitsch (Rowing) served as team representatives at the event. The duo stood on stage during the ceremony and had the opportunity to socialize with student-athletes from other institutions beforehand.
the experience of a lifetime ??#HookEm pic.twitter.com/Q8ekcYfrTV
— Texas Volleyball (@TexasVolleyball) July 22, 2024
“Today was such a unique experience, and I am grateful the White House was able to host the event again this year,” said Texas Volleyball rising sophomore Ella Swindle. “The coolest part about the experience is being surrounded by so many people chasing their dreams and pursuing excellence. I loved meeting other athletes and hearing their stories. It was an inspiring and empowering atmosphere and something we will never forget.”
The morning began with an exclusive White House tour offered to attendees. Texas’ student-athletes, coaches and support staff were able to see the dining room, the Red Room, the Green Room, the East Room and several other historical rooms located inside. Both programs were then greeted on the South Lawn of the White House by a symphony orchestra that played iconic American movie theme songs, including theme songs from the Incredibles, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and many more. Attendees had an opportunity to socialize with other champions on the South Lawn.
“It was such an honor to represent the University of Texas and the Rowing team up there today,” said Nitsch. “Our team is a really special group, so I was thinking about them the entire time I was up on stage.”
grateful for this experience ?????? pic.twitter.com/znvWMISrH1
— Texas Rowing (@TexasRowing) July 22, 2024
The ceremony then began at 10:30 a.m. CT with remarks from an NCAA representative followed by Vice President Kamala Harris who filled in for President Joe Biden. Harris praised the “grit and determination” the national champion student-athletes displayed in 2023-24.
“Being welcomed into and touring the White House was truly a memorable occasion, and we are very appreciative of the invitation from President Biden and the First Lady,” said Texas Rowing head coach Dave O’Neill. “Hearing from the Vice President on this day made the event more noteworthy, and we recognize the importance of it all. Of course, having most of our NCAA squad back together and being recognized at the White House with many other NCAA championship teams was a fantastic experience.”
It was the third national crown over a four-year stretch for head coach Dave O’Neill and Rowing. The Longhorns were powered by CRCA Division I Athlete of the Year Anna Jensen during the 2024 campaign. Texas totaled a program-record of 130 total points while taking home victories in the Four and First Eight in the Grand Finals on June 2 in Bethel, Ohio. Texas became just the third program to win three NCAA titles over a four-year stretch, joining Brown (1999-2000, '02) and Ohio State (2013-15). It's also the first time Texas has won two events at the same national championship. The Longhorns won the Big 12 Conference for the ninth-consecutive year as well.
It was a second-straight National Championship for head coach Jerritt Elliott and Volleyball. Led by Final Four Most Outstanding Player and National Player of the Year Madisen Skinner, the Longhorns swept Nebraska in the championship match to finish with a 28-4 record on the year. Texas, which advanced to the NCAA Championship Final Four for the 11th time in 16 years in 2023, won the Big 12 Championship for a conference record seventh-straight time, posting a 17-1 mark.