Xavier University of Louisiana will make history in fall 2025 by becoming the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to offer a varsity-level co-ed rowing
The program, which began in September 2023 as a partnership between Xavier and the New Orleans Rowing Club (NORC), has already garnered national attention and support from prominent figures in the rowing community. Olympic rower David Banks and rowing pioneer Arshay Cooper are among those who have visited campus to mentor and inspire student athletes. Former Division I Coach Kevin Harris has also lent his expertise to the developing program.
The transition from club to varsity status represents a breakthrough moment for diversity in collegiate rowing, a sport that has historically seen limited representation from the Black community at the competitive level.
"For so many young people in our rowing community, Xavier has the potential to enhance their lives both academically and athletically and to provide an opportunity that has not existed before now," Cooper said, highlighting the program's transformative potential.
"It's another testament to the outstanding students at Xavier; in that they seek out new challenges and opportunities and strive for excellence in whatever they do," Banks added. "It's not easy being the first few to do something that may seem so very different and even daunting. But I'm confident and hopeful that these students will realize that this sport is theirs to make their own."
The program has secured substantial support from major organizations including USRowing, the sport's national governing body, and equipment manufacturers Vespoli USA and Concept2. Additional backing has come from Cooper's A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund and JL Athletics, demonstrating the rowing community's commitment to expanding access to the sport.
For Xavier students like Kamryn Days, a junior political science major, the rowing program offers more than just athletic opportunities.
