Local Capital Crew Rower Selected For Elite Training Camp

Grace Torchiana, a Capital Crew Varsity Rower and a member of Oak Ridge High School’s class of 2024 was selected to participate in USRowing’s U19 High-Performance(HP) Winter Camp that wrapped up today at the Chula Vista Elite Training Center in Chula Vista, California.

This builds upon Torchiana’s involvement with US Rowing’s Olympic Development Program (ODP). The Oak Ridge High School Senior has earned spots in USRowing U19 System ODP camps, each of the last three years. Torchiana has committed to University of Virgina and will row with the ACC Champs upon graduation from Oak Ridge High School.

Torchiana was selected for this prestigious camp, and has thoroughly enjoyed the high-quality training experience, according to a press release Monday morning. Torchiana follows in the footsteps of several other Capital Crew Youth Rowing alums. Capital, in the last 35 years has developed several youth athletes who have gone on to excel on the world and national stage.

Most notably, Folsom’s own Michelle Sechser. Local Folsom High Grad, and Capital Crew Alum, Michelle Sechser, US Rowing’s 2022 Carie Graves Athlete of the Year, lightweight sculler, is a 11-time US National Team qualifier, competed in Pan Am Games, 2011; Senior Nationals, 2012-15, 2017-19, 2022; and the Olympics in 2020. Michelle began rowing at age 14 for Capital Crew after seeing how much her older sister was enjoying crew after her first season. Michelle has qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics and her fans at Capital Crew will be cheering her on to the podium!

In a recent video call, Josy Verdonkschot USRowing Chief High Performance Officer, explained that the athletes chosen were based upon their commitment to excellence in rowing. We believe this camp will provide a valuable opportunity for skill development and growth within our high-performance program.

Torchiana said the intensity at camp was unlike any training environment has experienced as a youth athlete. They set the bar high and Torchiana is optimistic as she looks toward Spring 2024 Sprints season. “I am so fortunate to have been selected for this elite camp and can’t wait to share my experience with my Capital Teammates.”

Over the last three days , Torchiana was evaluated and trained with Caitlin McClain, Women’s Talent Identifier / Women’s Head Coach USRowing U19 National Team. Joining Coach McClain on the launch was Helen Tilghman Youth Program Manager & Head Coach of the legendary Pocock Rowing Foundation, Seattle, WA. Torchiana had a reunion of sorts as she had attended prior USRowing programs and trained with McClain and Tilghman. Torchiana reflected, “who I have become as a rower and athlete is a direct result of the world class coaching, I have received from USRowing and Capital Crew.

Eligibility for USRowing’s HP Camp is the athlete cohort of aspiring 2024 U19 Team Members whom are identified for potential inclusion in Junior National Selection camp to be held in July 2024. If successful, Torchiana will train this summer to compete for the USRowing U19 National Team at either the Junior World Championships in Canada or CanAmMex Regatta to be held in Mexico City.