SMU Rowing is proud to announce the signing of eight new Mustangs to its 2026 recruiting class, Head coach Chase Graham announced on January 23rd. The incoming group brings a strong blend of domestic and international talent, featuring athletes from two U.S. states (California and Texas) and five different countries (United States, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and The Netherlands).

"This recruiting class is an exceptional group of talented athletes from around the globe. They have an impressive track record and a high ceiling for growth. I am really pleased with the coaching staff's effort to assemble another great class of Mustangs," said Head Coach, Chase Graham. "This group has a hunger for success, and a few have already represented their home countries on the world stage. Most importantly they have a deep love for the sport and understanding of what it takes to be a great teammate. They will be a fun group to work with, and I can't wait to see them apart of the team next year. They will certainly add to the positive culture we have built over the past few years. Pony Up!"




Eva Tompson
Eva is from Sydney, Australia and rows for the Queenwood School. In 2025, Eva earned a silver medal in the U19 eight at the Australian National Rowing Championships and won in the U19 four at the New South Wales State Rowing Championships. In 2023, she won in the U17 8 at the Australian National Rowing Championships. Eva is a graduate from Queenwood.
"When I visited SMU the atmosphere of the rowing community was nothing I had come across, and I knew that it was where I wanted to spend the next four years. The SMU campus and pride people took in being a Mustang was something that made me excited to witness and experience myself. Moving from Australia to Dallas will be a significant change, but I am excited by the opportunity to embrace a new culture at SMU, challenge myself, and grow both athletically and personally through this experience."
Welcome to the Hilltop, Eva!



Maclaine Stuart
Maclaine is from Hamilton, New Zealand and rows for the Waikato Diocesan School for Girls. Maclaine represented New Zealand in the 4- at the 2025 U19 World Championships in Lithuania. At the 2025 Maadi Cup she won in the U17 four and earned silver in the U18 four and U18 eight. She won in the U18 four at the 2024 Maadi Cup. Maclaine is a student at the Waikato Diocesan School for Girls.
"I chose SMU because it offers great opportunities both academically and in rowing, but what really stood out to me were the people. The program focuses on teamwork and growth, and everyone I interacted with was motivated and supportive. I want to be a Mustang because SMU feels like a place that will push me to improve while being part of a strong, encouraging community."
Welcome to the Hilltop, Maclaine!



Lizzy de Klein
Lizzy is from Wassenaar, the Netherlands and rows for Rijnland Rowing. Lizzy earned two bronze medals in the eight at the 2025 Coupe de la Jeunesse representing the Netherlands. She won gold in the quad at the NV4RN Regatta in 2025 and has been selected for the National Youth eight for the Head of the River Race in London in 2026. Lizzy is a student at the International School Rijnlands Lyceum Oegstgeest.
"I chose SMU for both athletic and academic reasons. I believe I will be able to develop immensely as an athlete and as a student at SMU. SMU's academic excellence and selection of courses made me excited to enroll. I look forward to developing myself as a rower and seeing how far I can push myself."
Welcome to the Hilltop, Lizzy!


Georgia Montague
Georgia is from Brisbane, Australia and rowed out of Sydney Rowing Club. She won the Head of the River in the eight in 2021 and 2022. She also made the 2023 U19 Australian team and competed in Paris in Australia's 4-. She is a graduate of St. Margaret's Anglican Girl's School.
"I'm most excited to train and race in a competitive Division I environment with teammates who are just as driven as I am. Being part of the SMU Rowing team will push me to improve every day while learning from great coaches and teammates. I'm also really looking forward to building strong connections and representing SMU on the water."
Welcome to the Hilltop, Georgia!



Emma Jane Duggan
Emma Jane is from Dublin, Ireland and has spent the last four years rowing at Garda Síochána Boat Club. She is a student at Iosagáin College. She won gold in the double at the Cork City Regatta in 2025 and placed sixth in the J16 single at the 2024 Irish Rowing Championships.
"From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew I wanted to be a Mustang. It was clear to me that the coaches and team are so dedicated to reaching their full potential. The focus and grit of the team really drew me in. I knew I wanted to attend a university where I can be challenged both academically and athletically and I know SMU will provide that environment for me."
Welcome to the Hilltop, Emma Jane!



Paisley Rodriguez
Paisley is from Kaufman, Texas and rowed for Dallas United Crew. Paisley placed fifth in the 4- at Youth Nationals in 2024 and eighth in the 4- in 2023. Paisley is a graduate of Bishop Lynch High School.
"I'm most excited to become part of a close-knit team where support and trust are a big part of the culture. Building meaningful relationships with my teammates and growing together through shared goals is something I value. I'm looking forward to being in an environment where we push each other while also genuinely supporting one another, both on and off the water."
Welcome to the Hilltop, Paisley!



Caroline Cowden
Caroline is from Austin, Texas and rows for Austin Rowing Club. In 2025, Caroline placed sixth in the U19 single at Head of the Hooch and earned a bronze medal at Central Regional Championships in the U19 4+. She is a student at Westlake High School.
"I chose SMU because of the culture within the team and the experience of being a student-athlete at SMU. The team is driven and motivated and that is something I want to be a part of. SMU provides their student-athletes with incredible resources athletically and academically which made it clear to me how much they value their student-athletes."
Welcome to the Hilltop, Caroline!



Kate Rasmussen
Kate is from San Diego, California and rows for San Diego Rowing Club. In 2025, Kate placed third in the second varsity eight at the Southwest Regional Championships and won the San Diego Fall Classic in the U19 eight. Kate is a student at Cathedral Catholic High School.
"I chose SMU because of the rowing team's welcoming community and encouraging environment. I was especially drawn to SMU's Cox School of Business where I plan to earn a degree in Marketing. I'm super excited to get to know all my teammates and see how far we can push ourselves as a team. I look forward to the incredible experiences and making lasting friendships."
Welcome to the Hilltop, Kate!