Completed Event: Rowing at Head of the Charles on October 17, 2025 , , NTS
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Final
Rowing
at Head of the Charles
Duke Rowing Recruit Spotlight: Justine Medveckus
2/24/2022 2:04:00 PM | Rowing
DURHAM – Head Coach Megan Cooke Carcagno and the Duke rowing program are excited to announce the addition of Justine Medveckus, who will compete for the Blue Devils in the 2022-23 season.
A native of Gladwyne, Penn., Medveckus currently attends and competes for Merion Mercy Academy. She was elected a team captain for this season, and is coming off an impressive 2021 that saw her earn two second-place finishes at the USRowing Summer National Championships in the U-19 8 and U-23 8 crews. At the 2019 Head of the Charles Regatta, Medveckus helped Merion Mercy place second among scholastic teams in the Women's Youth 8. She has also been a member of top-three finishing boats at the Schuylkill Regatta, the SRAA Nationals and the Stotesbury Cup.
Medveckus is a member of the National Honor Society and is a National Merit Scholarship Program honoree. She is the daughter of Michael Medveckus and Portia Bonavitacola.
What is your favorite rowing memory?
JM: My favorite rowing memory was sophomore year, racing in 5-seat in the Varsity 8 at the 2019 Head of the Charles Regatta. Going into the race as a small scholastic program against so many outstanding rowing clubs and powerhouses, we had no expectations. However, we were a tight-knit crew, had trained hard all season, and were inspired to exert everything we had down the course. During the race, the energy within the boat was unmatched. Flying under Elliot Bridge, hearing hundreds of cheering voices, and finishing as the second scholastic crew, was priceless. Crossing the finish line, I knew that everyone in the boat had dug deeper than ever– the collision of collective emotion and extreme exhaustion was unforgettable and helped spark my love for the sport.
How did you get started in rowing?
JM: Until my freshman year of high school, I was a competitive figure skater. However, a close friend persuaded me to attend a rowing winter training practice– it was a 2k test day. Watching the 2k test was intense and intimidating, but it was also inspiring to see the mental and physical strength of the rowers, and most importantly their support of each other throughout the practice. Coming from an individual sport, I was drawn to the team dynamic that rowing offers, and joined the team that day.
Why did you choose to row for Duke?
JM: I chose to row for Duke because it is the best overall university for student-athletes, offering a rare balance between academics and athletics at an elite level. Duke supports both aspects with the resources that enable student-athletes to thrive. I also felt the rowing team has been ascending over the past few years, so I was excited to have the opportunity to contribute to that elevation and continued success.
What stuck out to you about the team that made the decision to attend Duke feel right?
JM: I felt welcomed by the Duke coaches and teammates. I sensed the intensely competitive yet supportive dynamic of the Duke rowing program, and how much the team cared about the sport and each other. I knew I wanted to be a part of and contribute to this team. My intuition was validated on my official visit by watching the team cheer each other on during race pieces on the water. The positive energy that radiated from the team stuck out to me, and I could not wait to be a part of it.
#GoDuke
A native of Gladwyne, Penn., Medveckus currently attends and competes for Merion Mercy Academy. She was elected a team captain for this season, and is coming off an impressive 2021 that saw her earn two second-place finishes at the USRowing Summer National Championships in the U-19 8 and U-23 8 crews. At the 2019 Head of the Charles Regatta, Medveckus helped Merion Mercy place second among scholastic teams in the Women's Youth 8. She has also been a member of top-three finishing boats at the Schuylkill Regatta, the SRAA Nationals and the Stotesbury Cup.
Medveckus is a member of the National Honor Society and is a National Merit Scholarship Program honoree. She is the daughter of Michael Medveckus and Portia Bonavitacola.
What is your favorite rowing memory?
JM: My favorite rowing memory was sophomore year, racing in 5-seat in the Varsity 8 at the 2019 Head of the Charles Regatta. Going into the race as a small scholastic program against so many outstanding rowing clubs and powerhouses, we had no expectations. However, we were a tight-knit crew, had trained hard all season, and were inspired to exert everything we had down the course. During the race, the energy within the boat was unmatched. Flying under Elliot Bridge, hearing hundreds of cheering voices, and finishing as the second scholastic crew, was priceless. Crossing the finish line, I knew that everyone in the boat had dug deeper than ever– the collision of collective emotion and extreme exhaustion was unforgettable and helped spark my love for the sport.
How did you get started in rowing?
JM: Until my freshman year of high school, I was a competitive figure skater. However, a close friend persuaded me to attend a rowing winter training practice– it was a 2k test day. Watching the 2k test was intense and intimidating, but it was also inspiring to see the mental and physical strength of the rowers, and most importantly their support of each other throughout the practice. Coming from an individual sport, I was drawn to the team dynamic that rowing offers, and joined the team that day.
Why did you choose to row for Duke?
JM: I chose to row for Duke because it is the best overall university for student-athletes, offering a rare balance between academics and athletics at an elite level. Duke supports both aspects with the resources that enable student-athletes to thrive. I also felt the rowing team has been ascending over the past few years, so I was excited to have the opportunity to contribute to that elevation and continued success.
What stuck out to you about the team that made the decision to attend Duke feel right?
JM: I felt welcomed by the Duke coaches and teammates. I sensed the intensely competitive yet supportive dynamic of the Duke rowing program, and how much the team cared about the sport and each other. I knew I wanted to be a part of and contribute to this team. My intuition was validated on my official visit by watching the team cheer each other on during race pieces on the water. The positive energy that radiated from the team stuck out to me, and I could not wait to be a part of it.
#GoDuke
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