Dynamic duo make rowing club history

By Julia Miller

This past weekend, Dallas United Crew (DUC) took to the water at one of the most competitive regattas in the country, the 2025 USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Fla. They made their mark with a series of strong, hard-fought performances. Racing against elite crews from across the country, each boat demonstrated the resilience, preparation and unity that define this rowing program.

 DUC entered five boats this year, a remarkable accomplishment that speaks to the depth and development of the program. They entered a Women’s U17 2x: Hedda Beck (bow), London Ezell; Women’s Youth 8+: Claire Dwelle (cox), Lisette Viguerie, Olivia Betancourt, Olivia Knight, Addi Polivka, Lauren Livingston, Addison Holmes, Elle Noonan, Julia Blewett; Women’s 2v 8+: Mimi Tafel (cox), Thalia Makris, Mary Isabell Hall, Hannah Birdwell, Lauren Caldwell, Charlotte Bohannon, Ava Moyer, Sahya Lagisetty, Sidney Bailey; Men’s Youth 4-: Louis Hixon (bow), Julian Balestri, John Bunge, Raul Gupta; Men’s Youth 4+: Gigi De La Torre (cox), Fynn Bavry, Garrett Bono, JeanLuc McLaughlin, Andrew Moyer.

Each boat earned its place by placing at the 2025 Central Youth Regionals Regatta in OKC at the beginning of May. Once at Nationals, they raced three times over the course of four days. They competed in “Time Trials,” “Semifinals,” and “Finals.” This regatta has A, B, C and D Finals to determine National Ranking.

For the first time in club history, DUC is bringing home a National Championship title! Winning gold in the Women’s U17 Youth Double (Women’s U17 2x), youth athletes Hedda Beck and London Ezell made history at the 2025 USRowing Youth National Championships. They won their time trial, their semifinal and finished in finals with a time of 7:38:09 — almost five seconds faster than the next boat.

The Men’s 4-: Louis Hixon (bow), Julian Balestri, John Bunge, Raul Gupta, took to the course in the Logan Betts shell. After a hard-fought race, they secured a seventh place national finish. Led by senior captains Julian Balestri and Raul Gupta, the crew showed grit, rhythm and relentless drive. Julian and Raul have been cornerstones of the men’s squad, setting a standard that will carry forward.

The Men’s U17 4+: Gigi De La Torre (cox), Fynn Bavry, Garrett Bono, JeanLuc McLaughlin, Andrew Moyer, proved the future is bright for DUC. After an intense semifinal showdown, they placed fifth in the nation. These young rowers raced like seasoned veterans and are already showing the potential to lead the next wave of DUC’s success.

The Women’s Varsity 8+: Claire Dwelle (cox), Lisette Viguerie, Olivia Betancourt, Olivia Knight, Addi Polivka, Lauren Livingston, Addison Holmes, Elle Noonan, Julia Blewett, earned a program-best 14th place in the nation. They raced with heart and intensity in a field packed with powerhouse programs. This crew’s success reflects years of hard work and a culture built on discipline, trust and team-first leadership. The seniors set the tone and raised the bar for those who follow, remembering to bet on themselves and their teammates.

 Women’s 2nd Varsity 8+: Mimi Tafel (cox), Thalia Makris, Mary Isabell Hall, Hannah Birdwell, Lauren Caldwell, Charlotte Bohannon, Ava Moyer, Sahya Lagisetty and Sidney Bailey also made history. 

They qualified for Nationals for the very first time. In an incredibly tight time trial, they missed the A/B semifinal by less than half a second. They raced with resolve and effort in a field that demanded every ounce of endurance and focus, ultimately finishing in the Top 20 nationally. 

Their effort signals the rising depth in DUC’s women’s sweep program, and they’ll be back.

 Across all entries, the regatta was about more than just placement — it was about showing up at the highest level and proving that this team belongs among the best in the country. 

Every athlete who competed earned their seat through dedication and commitment. 

  Featured