They’re making waves—literally!
Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) has officially announced the launch of its varsity-level co-ed rowing program, making history as the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to offer co-ed varsity rowing, Black Enterprise reports. The program will begin its inaugural season in Fall 2025, marking a groundbreaking moment for diversity in the world of rowing.
The new team is the result of a powerful partnership between Xavier University and the New Orleans Rowing Club (NORC), a collaboration dedicated to expanding access to the sport. NORC members Elizabeth Manley, Ph.D., professor of history and chair of the history department at Xavier, and Chloé Jobin, NORC’s head of community outreach and diversity initiatives, expressed their excitement about the program’s debut.
“We could not be prouder to work with the Xavier Rowing team as we launch this historic debut as an official varsity university sport,” they said 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.”
Since its formation in 2023, XULA’s rowing club has garnered significant attention from the larger rowing community. Key organizations and sponsors, including USRowing, Mr. Cooper’s A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, Vespoli USA, JL Athletics, and Concept2, have stepped up to support the team, providing funding, equipment, and resources to ensure its success.
As part of the Xavier Athletics family, the rowing team joins a strong lineup of sports, including basketball, baseball, and softball. Athletic Director Pat Kendrick expressed enthusiasm about the program’s addition to the university’s roster.
“This is an exciting time for Xavier Athletics in welcoming the rowing team to our family,” Kendrick shared. “We are so proud of each and every one of these athletes and look forward to seeing them excel in their sport and bring the spirit of Xavier to the water and beyond.”
With its official launch on the horizon, the university is now seeking a head coach and intensifying recruitment efforts to build a competitive team. The new rowing program isn’t just a milestone for the school—it’s a win for representation in a sport that has historically lacked diversity. They now join fellow HBCU, Saint Augustine, who announced their women’s rowing program in 2022. By making space for Black athletes in rowing, Xavier is proving once again that HBCUs are at the forefront of breaking barriers and creating new opportunities.
Cover photo: Xavier University Makes History as First HBCU to Launch Co-Ed Varsity Rowing Program/Photo credit: XULA Rowing Club/Instagram