The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Fifteen from Rowing to compete at U23 World Championships
07.22.2026 | Rowing
The U23 World Championships run from July 23-26 in Duisburg, Germany.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Rowing will be represented by 15 student-athletes and one coach at the 2026 U23 World Championships on July 23-26 in Duisburg, Germany.
Lucy Searle (Australia; W2-), Imy Grey (Australia; W2-), Leila Gaston (Australia; W4-), Amelia Gleed (Great Britain; W4-), Rhiannon Luke (Great Britain; W4-), Alina Krueger (Germany; W8+), Nike Utesch (Germany; W8+), Daniela Thiermann (Germany; W8+), Holly Davis (Ireland; W4-; Mix2x), Giulia Orefice (Italy; W8+), Ilva Boone (Netherlands; W4-; Mix8+), Savvy Jerome (United States; W2x), Phoebe Wise (United States; W4-; Mix8+), Katherine Nordheim (United States; W8+) and Amy Werner (United States; W8+) will represent their home countries at the U23 World Championships. Texas associate head coach Gia Doonan will coach the United States' W4- at the event as well.
"Racing for your country is a special opportunity, and it's great that so many Longhorns will have that chance in Duisburg," head coach Dave O'Neill said. "From all accounts all of them have been making the most of the experience, and it will be fun to watch them race, especially when it's against each other. No doubt they'll have fun and go fast throughout the weekend."
"Of course, I'm also really proud of Gia Doonan and the work she's been doing. She's made a significant impact on the U.S. squad, and it shows the level of coaching we have in our staff."
Seven different countries will be represented by a Longhorn at this year's U23 World Championships. Six of the athletes (Leila Gaston, Daniela Thiermann, Savvy Jerome, Amy Werner, Katherine Nordheim and Amelia Gleed) will be representing their countries at a junior of U23 World Championship for the first time. Four Longhorns will be competing at stroke for their countries as well. It also marks the second year in a row a "Texas pair" will represent their home country with Imy Grey and Lucy Searle racing in the W2- for Australia. Last year, former Longhorn Marg van der Wal and current Longhorn Ilva Boone won the event to bring home gold for the Netherlands.
Fans can watch the 15 different Longhorns compete at the 2026 U23 World Championships on World Rowing's live stream on Youtube. A complete schedule, entries list and live tracker can be found here.
