Makenna’s Rowing Journey

Makenna joined the the Clemson Rowing team in the fall of 2016 as a walk-on athlete. In her first season with the Tigers, the nursing major rowed on the 1V4 and 2V4, capturing first place finishes at the Natoma Invitation and Cardinal Invite. By the time her sophomore campaign began, Makenna earned a spot in the 1V8 and during her junior season, she helped the boat turn-in a program-best record of 5:40.7 at the Cardinal Invite in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Through her career, Makenna has been named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll on two occasions in addition to a pair of CRCA Scholar Athlete selections in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, Makenna was tabbed a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year.

Prior to attending Clemson, Makenna attended Riverside High School in Greer, S.C., where captained the swim team to a 4A State Championship in 2016.

From Makenna:

“I’ll never forget my time with Clemson Rowing. The love and loyalty I have for each of you is unmatched and something I’ll carry with me forever. So much of who I’ve become is owed to each and every one of you. Keep on moving forward, lean on your teammates in the thick of things because they understand and take ownership of where this team ended this year. From our culture, our performance to our relationships with one another, it all mattered, every aspect impacted the others so embrace it and keep pushing forward. I know you will do great things and I love all of you deeply.”

Thank you, Makenna, for your contributions to Clemson Rowing over the past four years!