Rowing Signs Four to 2006-07 Season

Nov. 22, 2005

The Clemson Rowing team is proud to announce the signing of four recruits for the 2006-2007 season. Olivia Shomaker, Mary Grace Maggiano, Meredith Razzolini, and Caroline Benefield have committed to pursue a Clemson University education as well as become a part of the Clemson Rowing tradition by signing a National Letter of Intent.

Olivia Shomaker hails from Mathews, VA, though born in the Buckeye state. She is the daughter of Bruce and Kelley Shomaker and will graduate from Mathews High School in 2006. She is planning on studying elementary education at Clemson. Olivia’s athletic accomplishments include Academic All District for basketball, crew and track. She has earned 6 varsity letters, 3 of which are from her crew performance. Her team’s Senior 8+ received silver medals at their State Championships.

Mary Grace Maggiano joins the Tigers from Philadelphia, PA. She will graduate from Mt. St. Joseph Academy in the spring. Mary Grace is the daughter of Tom and Mickey Maggiano and has a brother Tom as well. Aside from rowing for her high school, Mary Grace has also competed in field hockey, softball and swimming.

Meredith Razzolini crosses over the Georgia border to join the Tigers. Meredith attends Centennial High School and is the daughter of John and Megan Razzolini. She is planning to major in pre-physical therapy. Meredith has rowed for the St. Andrew Rowing club for four seasons. As a novice, she won gold at the John Hunter Regatta. She won gold again three years later as part of the varsity team.

Caroline Benefield is another Georgian who’ll be adding her talent to the Clemson rowing team. She is the daughter of Matoka Benefield and attends The Westminster Schools. She has earned 3 varsity letters as part of the swimming team. She has also attended the Atlanta Youth Development Camp for crew.