TROY, N.Y. – The Liberty League is expanding its women’s rowing membership with the addition of Nazareth University as an associate member. Nazareth will join the conference for women’s rowing beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.
The Golden Flyers will be the ninth team in Liberty League women’s rowing as they join full conference members Ithaca College, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Skidmore College, St. Lawrence University, University of Rochester, Union College, William Smith College as well as associate member St. John Fisher University.
As an associate member of the Liberty League, Nazareth will now compete in the Liberty League Championships each year. In 2027, the Liberty League Championships will be held on April 30 at Fish Creek (Saratoga Lake) in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
“The Liberty League is pleased to welcome Nazareth University as an associate member in women’s rowing,” said Liberty League Commissioner Tracy King. “Nazareth has shown consistent growth and progress since adding rowing as a varsity sport. The addition of Nazareth to our Liberty League rowing championship will provide increased competition while enhancing the experience for our student-athletes.”
Nazareth's rowing program began as a varsity sport in 2018-19. The Golden Flyers are headed into their eighth season, and fifth under longtime rowing coach John Welker.
"Thank you to everyone that has been involved in this process,” said Welker. "This membership will bring Nazareth women's rowing into a new light now having a season championship to participate in. It will be a great opportunity to show how hard our team has worked."
"Nazareth University has continued to prioritize the growth and development of our women's rowing program, and we believe that participation in the Liberty League will provide an outstanding competitive and academic fit for our student-athletes," said Nazareth Athletics Director Pete Bothner. "We are confident that our program will contribute positively to the Liberty League through competitive participation, strong institutional support, and a shared commitment to academic achievement and athletic integrity. Additionally, associate membership will provide meaningful regional competition opportunities for our student-athletes."