Xavier University of Louisiana, a historically Black educational institution in New Orleans, has announced its co-ed rowing club has been elevated to varsity-status beginning in the 2025-26 academic year. This will be the first varsity rowing program offered at an HBCU.
The Xavier University of Louisiana Rowing Club was developed in partnership with New Orleans Rowing Club. Since the program’s launch in September 2023, the co-ed team has received numerous scholarships and donations from several prominent organizations, including U.S. Rowing, A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, Vespoli USA, JL Athletics, and Concept2.
New Orleans Rowing Club members, Chloé Jobin, NORC’s head of community outreach, and Elizabeth Manley, chair of Xavier’s history department, were key leaders in developing Xavier’s rowing program.
“We could not be prouder to work with Xavier Rowing as we launch this historic debut as an official varsity sport,” said Jobin and Dr. Manley in a joint statement. “Launching this team of athletes onto the competitive national stage is not just about rowing — it’s about building a community, inspiring our students, and creating opportunities for growth both on and off the water.”
Howard University had a varsity men’s rowing team in the 1960s. Sports Illustrated had a story about it back then, as did the Washington Post, and the student newspaper. The Hilltop. The undergraduate yearbook, The Bison, also included the crew in its pages. For more information, go to: https://alum.howard.edu/athletics-did-you-know. I managed the crew for a season or two, and occasionally rowed at practices. Ross Connelly, Howard University, BA Cum Laude, 1968