WILMINGTON, Del. -  The list of groundbreaking accomplishments continues to grow for Embry-Riddle Women's Rowing as Sarah Kinlocke was named the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association's Athlete of the Year for Division 2, Head Coach Grant Maddock was tabbed as the D2 Coach of the Year, and Maddock and Assistant Coaches Sami Bay and Drayton Piper received the D2 Staff of the Year accolade. This is the first time the program has received these three awards. 

"I am honored to receive the Division II Athlete of the Year award," said Kinlocke. "I'd like to thank the D2 Awards Committee for recognizing me with this great honor. As a freshman, I didn't think this award was even in my reach, but it was possible thanks to my teammates and coaches. This award results from my teammates and coaches' collective effort, support, and grit, showing up daily through this past season. Being a D2 athlete at Embry-Riddle has taught me the true balance of 'Student-Person-Player'. Not only are we celebrated for our athletic abilities but also for our character and academics. This award is just the starting line for me, and I am so excited to keep working hard and persevering to represent Division II and the sport of rowing. I am overwhelmed with gratitude."

When discussing Kinlocke's contribution to a championship-winning season, Maddock said, "Sarah embodies everything you hope for in a student-athlete: relentless work ethic, unwavering commitment to her teammates, and a competitive drive that lifts everyone around her. The fact that this is her first year on the team makes her impact even more remarkable. She stepped in and led with maturity and purpose from day one. Her contributions have been profound, both on and off the water, and this recognition is a testament to the legacy she's already begun to build. I couldn't be more proud of her."

Kinlocke stepped in and became a key component of ERAU's Varsity 8 shell. She competed in all ten regattas and two duals throughout 2024-25. The freshman earned gold at the FIRA Championships while also claiming V8 titles at the SSC and NCAA II Championships to aid the Eagles in capturing titles at the state, conference and national levels. 

Already a decorated student-athlete, Kinlocke adds this award to her All-SSC and All-American accolades earned this season.

As for Maddock, Bay and Piper, they guided the Eagles through an incredibly successful 2024-25 season that culminated with the program's first NCAA II team title alongside FIRA and SSC championships.

Maddock added, "I'm deeply honored to be named Coach of the Year. This recognition reflects the trust and commitment of the incredible student-athletes I have the privilege to coach. I'm grateful for their belief and relentless pursuit of success throughout the season. Coaching at Embry-Riddle is a huge privilege, and this award is a reflection of the people I get to work with every day." 

Maddock also touched on his staff, saying that, "Being named Coaching Staff of the Year is a testament to the collaboration, dedication and shared vision of this entire program. I'm incredibly proud of the way our staff showed up for our athletes and for each other every single day. I have to give a special shoutout to Coach Sami, in particular, who is the heartbeat of our operation. Her unwavering presence and deep investment in our team made this season possible. This honor belongs to all of us, and I'm proud to be in it together."

This is just the second season Maddock has been at the helm of the program, and he has already won five Coach of the Year honors - two at the conference level, two at the regional level, and one at the national level. Bay is in her fourth season as an assistant and was part of last year's award-winning staff while Piper joined the team prior to the start of this season and instantly made an impact.