Basadonna Named Second-Team All-American by CRCA

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson junior Laura Basadonna was named a second-team Pocock All-American announced by the College Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) on Tuesday. The Torino, Italy native becomes the 11th CRCA All-American in school history. 

“Laura had a fantastic year and it is great to see her recognized as an All-America selection for the 2012-13 season,” said Clemson Head Coach Robbie Tenenbaum. “She not only helps us on the water but is a leader on our team off the water and in the classroom. Laura helps to make the people around her better, which is what makes her special.”

Basadonna was also named a CRCA National Scholar-Athlete and a first-team All-South rower earlier this season. She is the first Clemson rower since Suzanne Van Fleet in 2008 to be named All-American, All-South Region and National Scholar-Athlete in the same season. 

Basadonna has spent every race of her career in the 1st Varsity 8+ since coming to Clemson for the 2011 season. She was part of the 1st Varsity 8+ that was named ACC Crew-of-the-Year in 2011 and was named All-ACC as a freshman that season. In 2012, she was named a CRCA National Scholar-Athlete.

Basadonna is also a two-time Academic All-ACC selection and a two-time member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll.

The Clemson women’s rowing team has now received at least one All-America honor every season since 2005. Virginia, who has had at least one All-America honor since 1999, is only the ACC school with a longer such streak.