(AURN News) — Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) announced this week it will make collegiate sports history this fall by becoming the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to establish a varsity co-ed rowing program.

The groundbreaking move elevates the school's existing rowing club to varsity status after three successful seasons. The club program was initially established through an innovative partnership with the New Orleans Rowing Club in September 2023.

The transition to varsity status represents a significant milestone in collegiate athletics, particularly for HBCUs, which have traditionally not participated in rowing at the varsity level.

XULA also announced that the program has received sponsorships and donations from US Rowing and major influences in the sport including Vespoli USA, a racing shell manufacturer, among others.

University officials confirmed they have begun the process of building the program's infrastructure, including initiating a search for the team's first head coach. Recruitment efforts are already underway to attract student-athletes for the inaugural varsity season.

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