Duke Rowing Unveils 2026 Spring Schedule, Eyes Postseason Push
DURHAM, N.C. - With year two under head coach Adrian Spracklen officially underway, Duke rowing has laid out its spring 2026 roadmap - and it’s a schedule built for growth, grit, and postseason ambition.
The Blue Devils will get their season started on March 14 at a familiar spot: Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where they'll line up for the 14th annual Oak Ridge Cardinal Invitational. It's a staple early-season regatta that gives crews a chance to shake off the winter rust and measure themselves against solid competition.
Not long after, Duke will return to Oak Ridge for the Rocky Top Invitational, hosted by Tennessee on April 3-4. Two days of racing in quick succession offer a valuable mid-season checkpoint - and a chance for the Blue Devils to fine-tune lineups and build rhythm as they head into the heart of their schedule.
From there, it's a trip south to warmer waters. On April 17-18, Duke heads to Lake Pickett in Orlando for the Orlando Invitational, where they'll face a deep and diverse field. Alabama, Clemson, Miami, Penn, SMU, and host UCF are all on the slate - a mix of ACC foes and national contenders that should push Duke’s boats to elevate their game.
The Blue Devils then return home to wrap up April with one of the marquee events on their calendar: the Lake Wheeler Invitational, co-hosted with rival North Carolina on April 24-25. It’s more than just a local showdown - it’s a high-profile regatta that draws strong programs and serves as a springboard into championship season.
Last year, Duke made a statement here, finishing second overall with 82 points. Expect the Blue Devils to be hungry for even more this time around.
Championship season kicks off May 15-16, when the ACC Rowing Championships return to Lake Wheeler. Duke placed fifth last spring, advancing four of five boats to the grand finals - a strong showing that underscored the team’s depth and upward trajectory. Standouts Lena Mills and Chloe Zollman both earned All-ACC honors for their efforts, with Mills landing on the third team and Zollman earning second-team recognition.
The ultimate goal? A return to the NCAA Championships, set for May 29-31 at Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, Georgia. Duke will need to put together a complete spring to earn that coveted postseason bid, but with experience, leadership, and a schedule designed to challenge, they’ve got the pieces to make it happen.
And speaking of leadership - this season’s captain trio has been locked in. Seniors Nora Conaty, Grace Matos, and Chloe Zollman will guide the squad through the 2026 campaign. It’s the first time each has earned the captain’s title, and all three bring a blend of experience, resilience, and competitiveness that should set the tone both on and off the water.
With a full spring ahead and momentum building, Duke rowing is ready to make waves - both literally and figuratively.