ORLANDO, Fla. – Rollins rowers Michelle Sosa and Kimberly Dirschka captured All-Sunshine State Conference honors for the second-straight year, while Molly Broome was named to the All-Freshman/Novice team, the conference announced Wednesday.

Sosa, a sophomore and two-time All-SSC, was recently named a Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) All-American. The Rapid City, S.D., native was named the 2009 SSC Rower of the Year, before the award was discontinued in 2010.  Sosa led the Tars’ varsity four crew to seven event victories over the spring season and guided the varsity eight to a first place finish at the Clemson Sprints.

A native of Gulf Breeze, Fla., Dirschka garners her first award as she teamed with Sosa to lead the varsity four to an outstanding season.  Dirschka and Sosa led Rollins to their first medal finish in over 20 years at the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia, Pa.  Dirschka and Sosa also paired up at the FIRA and took first place in the race. 

Broome, a freshman, rounded out the Tars who received accolades.  Hailing from Orlando, Fla., Broome had an immediate impact on the crew as she earned a spot in the Tars’ top two boats.  Broome was a member on the varsity four, which saw seven victories and the Vails’ third place finish.

The All-SSC and All-Freshman/Novice teams are nominated by conference members’ coaches, and are voted on by coaches and the Sport Information Directors from the participating institutions.

2010 ALL-SUNSHINE STATE CONFERENCE ROWING TEAM
Kimberly Dirschka (Rollins, Sr)
Rebekah Evans (Barry, Sr)
Elizabeth Hurley (Nova Southeastern, Jr)
Jaimee Lampard (Barry, So)
Julie Mabry (Florida Tech, Sr)
Alyssa O’Donnell (Nova Southeastern, So)
Michelle Sosa (Rollins, So)
Sarah Vines (cox) (Florida Tech, So)
Becky Werle (Florida Tech, Sr)

Boat of the Year – Barry Varsity 8
Coach of the Year – Dave Sanderson, Barry

ALL-FRESHMAN/NOVICE TEAM
Brielle Bowers (Barry, Fr)
Molly Broome (Rollins, Fr)
Kelly Harrison (Barry, Fr)
Grace Horwitz (cox) (Barry, Fr)
Amber Morrell (Nova Southeastern, Fr)
Aline Seekins (Florida Tech, Jr)