The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
2020-21 Rowing Roster
Roster
Salma Dessouky
- Position:
- Port
- Height:
- 5-9
- Class:
- Freshman
- High School:
- Louis D. Brandeis
- Hometown:
- San Antonio, Texas
- Major:
- Sustainability Studies and Geography (double major)
- Three-time Big 12 Champion (2022, 2023, 2024)
- San Diego Crew Classic Carley Copley Cup winner (2023)
- Two-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team (2022, 2023)
- 2020-21 Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team
- Three-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll (Spring 2021, Fall 2022, Spring 2023)
AS A SENIOR (2024)
- Rowed at three-seat in the Second Varsity 4+ victory at the Big 12 Conference Championship, winning with a time of 7:00.790.
- Rowed at two-seat in Second Varsity 4+ in the Longhorn Invite, placing second with a time of 7:15.355.
- Rowed at two-seat in the Second Varsity 4+ victory over No. 9 Michigan, winning with a time of 7:05.90 at Belleville Lake, Mich.
- Rowed at six-seat in the Open Eight at the 2024 San Diego Crew Classic, finishing second in heats (7:04.422) and the final (7:03.117) in the Carley Copley Cup.
AS A JUNIOR (2023)
- Rowed at six-seat in the Third Varsity 8+ victory (6:36.366) at the Big 12 Championship.
- Rowed at three-seat in the Third Varsity 8+ at the 2023 San Diego Crew Classic, finishing first in heats (6:54.562) and the final (6:53.030) to win the Carley Copley Cup.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2022)
- Rowed at three-seat in the Third Varsity 8+ victory (6:54.670) at the Big 12 Championship.
- Rowed at three-seat in the Third Varsity 8+ A victory (6:29.593) at the Longhorn Invite.
AS A FRESHMAN (2021)
- Rowed at four-seat in the Third Varsity 8+ B in the 2021 Longhorn Invite heats, finishing third (7:04.08) to advance to the B Finals.
Before Texas
Swam for Alamo Area Aquatics Association in San Antonio ... also competed for Louis D. Brandeis High School ... was a four-year captain for the Broncos swim team ... won three consecutive District 27-6A 500-yard freestyle championships ... three-time state runner-up in the 4x100-yard freestyle ... earned All-Academic Award honors as a varsity swimmer with a 4.0 GPA.
Why Texas?
“I have always known I wanted to go to Texas, ever since my older sister got accepted my freshman year of high school. After that, the more I visited campus, the more I fell in love with the diverse environment."
What led you to pursue rowing and what do you love most about it?
“After swimming for 14 years, my athletic career came to an end when COVID-19 cut my athletic career short in March 2020. A former teammate of mine started rowing at Loyola Marymount, so I decided to give it a try since she spoke so highly of it. I fell in love with the drive and discipline that the women of Texas have for rowing. Everyone on the team is extremely uplifting and supportive, which ultimately leads to success.”
Personal
- Parents are Sounbola and Samer Dessouky
- Has an older sister, Soha, younger sister, Samar, and younger brother, Samy.
- Majoring in sustainability studies
- Began rowing at the age of 19
- Enjoys early morning trips to Zilker Park to do yoga and relax, and running and walking along the Lady Bird Lake trails.
