EDISON, N.J.- The reigning MAAC champions in Jacksonville were picked to finish first in the conference's annual preseason poll on Wednesday. The Dolphins received nine first place votes, seven more than the preseason runner up Marist with two, and had 119 total points in the poll.
 
JU enters the season having claimed the sixth MAAC Championship in school history. Last seasons accolades included five All-MAAC Women's rowing first team members, one second team member, and the coach of the year Mike Lane. Of the six All-Conference winners, five return to the waterfront in Hannah Gagnon, Ginger Hubbard, Gabby Huxtable, Caroline Wells and Hannah Williams.

In last seasons MAAC Championship, Jacksonville swept every race they competed in. The Dolphins Second Varsity Four won their race by over 22 seconds to jump start the day. The First Varsity Four and Second Varsity eight followed suit in their respected Grand Finals before the First Varsity Eight won in the final race to clinch all four races and the Championship for JU.

"Being ranked first in the preseason poll is certainly an honor,  we have a long season ahead with lots to work on," said reigning MAAC coach of the year Mike Lane. "The MAAC has many great teams coming for us, and as far as I am concerned our athletes still have a lot to prove. I am fired up to get after racing as this is what it is all about!  I have no doubt our women will continue to put their heads down and do the work necessary to compete for another championships!"
 
The women's rowing team starts their spring season on March 3^rd with their Rock the Docks Waterfront Celebration. On March 4^th Jacksonville hosts their only home event of the season when the Florida Gators visit Negaard Rowing Center. Saturday's event will also be the teams senior day as they honor the dedication and hard work from this years senior class.

Full poll listed below:
 

2023 Women's Rowing Preseason Coaches' Poll
1	Jacksonville	119 (9)
2	Marist	111 (2)
3	Fairfield	94
4	Stetson	89
5	Sacred Heart	81
6	Drake	66
7	Canisius	53
8	Robert Morris	45
9	Manhattan	34
10	Iona	18
11	LIU	16