Hobart and William Smith Colleges Athletics

Representing the entire varsity eight, Hafer stroked the Herons to the gold medal at the New York State Collegiate Rowing Association Championships. With a winning time of 6:44.4 in the grand final, the William Smith varsity eight claimed its first state title since 2007. The Herons bested a field that included Division I Marist and three nationally ranked Division III crews.

"A decisive, open-water win this weekend, coupled with the academic pressures the team was handling while they took exams and handed in final papers and projects on the road speaks to this boat’s incredible talent," Head Coach Sandra Chu said in her nomination. "Liz’s consistency and easy rhythm in stroke seat enables every rower to pull at her very best."