Completed Event: Rowing at Head of the Charles on October 17, 2025 , , NTS
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Final
Rowing
at Head of the Charles
Duke Rowing Recruit Spotlight: Mikaela Voinov
6/22/2023 12:29:00 PM | Rowing
DURHAM - Duke rowing will welcome another standout recruiting class to the mix for the 2023-2024 campaign as head coach Megan Cooke Carcagno announced the signing of incoming freshman Mikaela Voinov on Thursday.
"The first thing we noticed about Mikaela is that she is the hardest worker in the room and a great teammate. She has helped lead her team to new heights this year and continues to seek out opportunities to improve. We wish her well at the Henley Royal Regatta next week and can't wait to welcome her to the squad this fall." -Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Director Chase Graham.
Voinov recently graduated from Wayne Valley High School and serves as a senior captain for the Nereid Boat Club. The Wayne, N.J., native has collected numerous medals throughout her high school career, racing in the stroke seat for her club's Youth 4x boat. Voinov capped off her senior year in strong fashion, earning first-place finishes in the Head of the Housatonic Junior Women's 4x event and the Head of the Charles Women's Youth Coxed Quad race in 2022. She is now set to compete for the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup in the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta, beginning June 27 in Henley-on-Thames, England.
During the summer, GoDuke.com will be spotlighting each of the 17 newcomers.
GoDuke.com: Why did you choose Duke?
Mikaela Voinov: I chose Duke for the amazing balance between academics and athletics. Duke offers so many opportunities that allow students to really pursue their passions. The entire faculty seems so eager and ready to help students achieve their goals. Duke's amazing sense of camaraderie is something I can't wait to be a part of!
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GD: How did you get started in rowing?
MV: A friend that I lifeguard with during the summer rows crew in college. He thought I might be a good fit for the sport and had me do a trial 5K test. He felt my time was pretty competitive and gave me the recommendation to visit a few of the boathouses in my area. I visited Nereid in August of my junior year and the rest is history.
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GD: What has been your favorite rowing memory?
MV: Winning Head of the Charles during the Fall 2022 season
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GD: What stuck out to you about the team in your decision-making process that made the decision feel right?
MV: When I was making the decision to row for Duke, it was the amazing team atmosphere that Duke has that stuck out to me and the level of support the athletes had for each other. I think the decision felt so right for me because of how much the coaches and athletes cared for each other not only as student-athletes but as people.
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GD: What impact do you plan to make during your four years at Duke?
MV: During my four years, I want to help Duke win an ACC championship. Seeing as Duke has come extremely close many times, it would be amazing to contribute to such a historic accomplishment. To experience that win with my teammates and coaches would be incredible!
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Quick Facts                                                                       Â
Position in the boat: Scull
Hobbies: Running, surfing, reading, snowboarding
Favorite athlete: Laird Hamilton/ Mia Hamm
Best advice you've received: Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils rowing, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeROW".
#GoDuke
"The first thing we noticed about Mikaela is that she is the hardest worker in the room and a great teammate. She has helped lead her team to new heights this year and continues to seek out opportunities to improve. We wish her well at the Henley Royal Regatta next week and can't wait to welcome her to the squad this fall." -Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Director Chase Graham.
Voinov recently graduated from Wayne Valley High School and serves as a senior captain for the Nereid Boat Club. The Wayne, N.J., native has collected numerous medals throughout her high school career, racing in the stroke seat for her club's Youth 4x boat. Voinov capped off her senior year in strong fashion, earning first-place finishes in the Head of the Housatonic Junior Women's 4x event and the Head of the Charles Women's Youth Coxed Quad race in 2022. She is now set to compete for the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup in the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta, beginning June 27 in Henley-on-Thames, England.
During the summer, GoDuke.com will be spotlighting each of the 17 newcomers.
GoDuke.com: Why did you choose Duke?
Mikaela Voinov: I chose Duke for the amazing balance between academics and athletics. Duke offers so many opportunities that allow students to really pursue their passions. The entire faculty seems so eager and ready to help students achieve their goals. Duke's amazing sense of camaraderie is something I can't wait to be a part of!
Â
GD: How did you get started in rowing?
MV: A friend that I lifeguard with during the summer rows crew in college. He thought I might be a good fit for the sport and had me do a trial 5K test. He felt my time was pretty competitive and gave me the recommendation to visit a few of the boathouses in my area. I visited Nereid in August of my junior year and the rest is history.
Â
GD: What has been your favorite rowing memory?
MV: Winning Head of the Charles during the Fall 2022 season
Â
GD: What stuck out to you about the team in your decision-making process that made the decision feel right?
MV: When I was making the decision to row for Duke, it was the amazing team atmosphere that Duke has that stuck out to me and the level of support the athletes had for each other. I think the decision felt so right for me because of how much the coaches and athletes cared for each other not only as student-athletes but as people.
Â
GD: What impact do you plan to make during your four years at Duke?
MV: During my four years, I want to help Duke win an ACC championship. Seeing as Duke has come extremely close many times, it would be amazing to contribute to such a historic accomplishment. To experience that win with my teammates and coaches would be incredible!
Â
Quick Facts                                                                       Â
Position in the boat: Scull
Hobbies: Running, surfing, reading, snowboarding
Favorite athlete: Laird Hamilton/ Mia Hamm
Best advice you've received: Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils rowing, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeROW".
#GoDuke
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