Purdue Crew

Thinking about joining us this Fall but not sure about rowing? Don’t worry! There’s another deeply important role on the crew: the Coxswain. Sitting at either the bow or stern (front or back) of the boat, the coxswain serves as the brain of the boat during the race; they’re the team’s eyes and ears, in charge of steering the boat, and making quick decisions about how to tactically win a race. They might not pull an oar, but they are still the most vital force in the boat, having to both manage and motivate the team. If you are a quick thinker who loves to lead, hype, and strategize, join us this Fall as a coxswain!

Think you have what it takes:
Fill out the interest form and join our Novice GroupMe chat by clicking the link in our bio!

Boiler Up! 
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Here is the recruitment schedule for this upcoming year! Links for the link tree and GroupMe can be found in our bio and feel free to dm us with questions 🚂

Introducing the 2026-27 Executive Board
Stay tuned for recruitment information coming soon later this week👀

Senior Spotlight : Grant Herrmann 🚂

Wrapping up our senior class last, but certainly not least, is four-year crew member Grant Herrmann! Having served on the executive board for two years, first as Historian in 2023-2024, and finally serving this past 2025-2026 term as Treasurer. Grant's dedication to the betterment of the team, throughout work on the executive board and hard work in the boathouse, has left a lasting impact on our team and community.

Senior Spotlight : Eli Paradis 🚂

Next up on our list to shoutout is Eli Paradis, another four-year crew member! Coming from Avon, Indiana, Eli has dedicated these last four years to make some incredible impacts to the team. Eli's experience and dedication to his performance, uplifting his teammates, and mentoring novices was inspiring and a great service to our team and he will be dearly missed!

Senior Spotlight : Elainna Papandrea 💛

Our next senior up to spotlight is Elainna, a four year crew member. Having served on the exec board for a few years, most recently Elainna served as President for the 2025-2026 year! Most recently, she capped out her senior season as bow seat of the Women's Varsity 8+, which placed 2nd at ACRAs! Elainna's service to Purdue Crew and the community is deeply appreciated and she will be greatly missed!

Senior Spotlight: Darby Gallagher 💛

Our next spotlight goes out to Darby Gallagher, a four year crew member! Most recently, Darby ended their senior season as stroke seat of the Women's Second Varsity 8+, leading the crew to a National Championship at ACRA! Darby's hard work, positive attitude, and determination will surely be missed in the boathouse.

Senior Spotlight : Vardani Karthik 🚂

Continuing this week with our senior spotlights, today we are celebrating three-year crew member Vardani Karthik. Starting out in the Second Novice 8+ her novice year, Vardani rounded out her time on varsity competing in the Women's Varsity 4+ at ACRA! Always a positive face in the boathouse and cheering on her teammates, Vardani will be dearly missed.

Senior Spotlight: Thaddeus Felosak 🚂

Next senior up to highlight is Thaddeus, also a four (non-consecutive) year crew member! Before coming to Purdue, Thaddeus rowed all through high school. He joined the team in 2021 as a novice man, competing at ACRA in the First Novice 8+. After three years as a varsity man, Thaddeus most recently finished his career as a Boilermaker in the Men's Second Varsity 8+, winning a National Championship! We are grateful for Thaddeus' dedication and commitment to our team, and he will be dearly missed!