WINTER PARK, Fla. – The Rollins women’s rowing team had three student-athletes named Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) 2010 Scholar Athletes, the organization recently announced.

Junior coxswain Emily Collins, a two-year recipient of the award, is an environmental studies major and leader of the varsity four and eight crews.  A three-year letterwinner, Collins guided the Tars in her junior year to a near perfect varsity four record, highlighted by the team’s medal finish at the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia for the first time in over 20 years. She also guided the varsity four to two Sunshine State Conference Boat of the Week honors.

Joining Collins was fellow environmental studies major, Ashley Franklin, a first-time recipient.  Franklin was a staple in the Tars varsity four and eight races and led the four to seven victories.  In just her second year on the team, Franklin earned a spot on the Tars’ top two boats and was an integral component for the team’s in success.

Rounding out the Tars on the list was Alia El-Assar, a sophomore from Orlando, Fla.  El-Assar was a member of the Tars’ second place finish at the Metro Cup and captured a big victory over Division I Clemson at the Clemson Sprints. 

To be eligible for the award, student-athletes must be in her second, third or fourth year of eligibility and participate in 75 percent of the spring races.  They also must possess a cumulative GAP of 3.5 or higher.