Sacred Heart University (SHU) in Fairfield, Connecticut has announced the addition of its varsity men’s rowing program, further expanding the university’s athletic offerings and reinforcing its commitment to meeting the evolving interests of the student body.
The new program, expected to include approximately 60 student-athletes, will compete under the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA), the premier governing body for men’s collegiate rowing in the United States. The addition complements SHU’s varsity women’s rowing and women’s lightweight rowing teams.
Rowing has deep roots in Connecticut, with a long tradition of producing elite competitors through nationally recognized collegiate programs, competitive prep schools and a growing network of high school and club teams. With participation continuing to rise at the scholastic level, SHU is well-positioned to support student-athletes seeking to continue their rowing careers in college.
Luke Wilhelm, head coach of women’s rowing, said a varsity men’s rowing team has not been added to the IRA in quite some time. He’s excited for the opportunities the new team opens for student-athletes interested in rowing. “Connecticut is a state known for rowing,” he said. “And rowing is having a boom right now.”
Wilhelm will oversee all rowing programs and their coaching staff, providing unified leadership and continuity across men’s and women’s teams. SHU is in the process of finding a men’s rowing head coach. Recruiting for the men’s program is set to begin in fall 2026, with the team expected to begin training in fall 2027.
The university’s rowing teams are set to move into a new home at a boathouse in Shelton owned by the Great River Water Club, which is scheduled to open next year. The facility will include indoor rowing tanks, rowing machines, a weight room, offices, space to hold events, and more. These modern athletic amenities are designed to support training, performance and student-athlete development.
“The addition of men’s rowing reflects our commitment and investment to providing meaningful opportunities for our students,” said Judy Ann Riccio, SHU’s executive director of athletics. “This is the natural next step for us….”
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, campus and it also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs.
