Big news out of NAC: Travis O’Neil and Kian Aminian are getting ready to compete in Duisburg, Germany representing the United States at the U23 World Championships, kicking off July 24th. Travis will be in the 8+, and Kian will be racing the 4-. Both of them came up through this program, and now they’ll be racing against the best U23 crews on the planet. We’re super stoked for those guys and will be cheering them on this week.
Travis and Kian’s trip to Duisburg is also a good excuse to highlight all of the NAC Alumni that have competed internationally. The NAC has always been a launching point for peoples rowing careers. But over the years, it’s also been a launching point for several people to go and compete internationally. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of practice, erg tests, and weekend regattas. But it’s worth stepping back and recognizing just how far this program’s alumni have gone.
Junior National Team Level
Several NAC athletes have gone on to race at the U19 World Championships, putting on a Team USA Unitsuit and lining up against the best junior rowers on the planet: Ethan Ruiz, Adam Cassler (twice), Travis O’Neil (twice), Kian Aminian, William Deutchman, Davis Schroeder (twice), Katie Dahl (twice), and Auggie Friejo.
Auggie Friejo
U23 National Team
Travis and Kian have taken that next step to the U23 World Championships,a level where the margins are razor-thin and the training behind the scenes is every bit as serious as it looks, as we are about to see at the World Championships that begin on Thursday.
Henley Royal Regatta
NAC has also sent crews across the Atlantic to compete at the Henley Royal Regatta in England, one of the oldest and most prestigious regattas in the sport. In 2024, NAC’s Women’s V8 made it all the way to the semifinal, and in 2025 the Women’s V8 advanced to the second round. Racing at Henley isn’t just about the competition; it’s about stepping into a tradition that goes back over a century and rowing on a course that’s hosted generations of the world’s best crews.
NAC at Henley in 2024
Why It Matters
None of this happens by accident. It’s the product of years of early mornings, consistent coaching, and a program built to develop athletes at every level not just for one season, but for wherever rowing takes them next. Whether that’s a college boathouse, a national team selection camp, or a starting line in England, the foundation gets built right here at NAC.
To every NAC athlete currently grinding through a rainy morning practice or a tough 2k test: this is the company you’re in. NAC has produced Olympians, world championship competitors, and Henley racers and there’s no reason the next one isn’t already on our roster.