2025-26 (Graduate Student): Raced with the first varsity eight and the second varsity eight throughout the season … finished first in the 2v8 on day two of the Lake Wheeler Invitational (4/25), crossing the line in 6:39.920, 5.35 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Louisville … named a Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) Scholar-Athlete.
PERSONAL: Cop hails from Radovljica, Slovenia where she rowed with Veslaški Klub Bled. Her top rowing accomplishments include earning fourth place at the 2021 U-19 World Championships in JW2x. She took 2nd place at the 2021 U-19European Championship in the JW2x as well. She earned a fourth-place finish at the 2024 U-23 European Championship in the BW2x.
FROM THE COACH: "I am excited to have Ruby joining the team this fall, she is a dynamic competitor, loves to work hard and compete," said head coach
Chase Graham. "We love to celebrate our athletes that bring it every day and test their limits in and out of the boat. Ruby brings a wealth of international experience to the team and we look forward to working with her. Many of our rowers are scullers at heart, and Ruby has a lot of successful experience in that boat class, I look forward to helping her translate her small boat success to eights rowing."
CHOOSING SMU: Cop is most excited about being part of a large, competitive team and to race in big boats. She cannot wait to experience the dynamics of a university rowing team and push herself alongside other talented women, growing both as an athlete and as a person. Training with such a strong team in a vibrant city like Dallas feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her.
