Sooners Ink Two Signees

SPRING 2014 SIGNEES

Abby Griffith
Costa Mesa, Calif.
Newport Aquatic Center
Estancia High School
Parents: Brian & Jenny Griffith
Coaches: Marketa Dequine, Eden Broggi, Elani Kollias, Rich Parris

Won petite final at Crew Classic

Two-time All-League First Team playing high school volleyball

Four-year honor roll student finishing in top 10% of her class

Stephanie Smith
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
St. Hilda's School
Parents: Antony & Vanessa Smith
Coach: Greg Christian

Placed second representing the Gold Coast at the 2013 Queensland State Title

Awarded Best Senior Sculler in 2013

Was a School Prefect senior year

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma rowing head coach Leeanne Crain announced that Abby Griffith and Stephanie Smith have signed National Letters of Intent with the Sooners.

"We're excited about Stephanie and Abby coming on board next season," Crain said. "Both are exceptional athletes who have proven themselves at the junior level and we expect them to add a lot of speed to our boats. We are looking forward to working with them over the next four years and are happy to welcome them to the Sooner Family."

Abby Griffith

Griffith was a standout rower and volleyball player at Estancia High in Costa Mesa, Calif.

"We are excited that Abby is joining Oklahoma rowing," said OU assistant coach John Gartin. "She only started rowing in July 2013 and has made tremendous progress in a short amount of time. Her competitive nature and extensive background in club volleyball certainly gave her a leg up in starting rowing later than some, but she is rapidly getting very strong and quick."

Why Abby Chose the University of Oklahoma: "I chose OU because they take amazing care of there athletes on and off the water. There is an indescribable atmosphere about the team, made by an amazing coaching staff. I felt that it was the right fit."

Stephanie Smith

A native of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, Smith finished second at the Queensland State Title in a quad and was named the top sculler in her program.

"Steph is a great addition coming on board with both sculling and sweep background," Gartin commented. "A strong and dedicated member of St. Hilda's, this year she earned the Best Senior Sculler. Considering the short rowing season for her school juniors, her current level of development is really strong and we cannot wait to add her to our team and training program. Much like Abby, Steph is going to get even faster once she gets to campus."

Why Stephanie Chose the University of Oklahoma: "When I came on my official visit to Oklahoma I was overwhelmed by the facilities and resources that were offered on campus. The academic strength and opportunities also really stood out to me and my family. It was also really important to me that there was a strong sense of community as I am coming from such a long way away. The rowing program was also very professional and all of the girls seemed focused and in sync with the team goals while still having a good time with their teammates."

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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