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Duke Rowing Recruit Spotlight: Mackenzie Younker
8/14/2023 2:09:00 PM | Rowing
DURHAM – Duke rowing will welcome another standout recruiting class to the mix for the 2023-2024 campaign as head coach Megan Cooke Carcagno announced the signing of graduate transfer Mackenzie Younker on Thursday.
Younker joins the Blue Devils after graduating from Colby College in May and is now working toward her master's degree from Duke's Fuqua School of Business. The Grand Junction, Colo., native was a two-year member of the Colby women's crew team and Varsity Eight boat. During her junior year, she raced as part of the Varsity Eight lineup that earned a spot in the Petite Final at the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Championships. The Mules placed 12th overall in the Varsity Eight event and finished seventh in the team standings. Outside of rowing, Younker was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the women's basketball team during the 2022-23 season.
During the summer, GoDuke.com will be spotlighting each of the 17 newcomers.
GoDuke.com: Why did you choose Duke?
Mackenzie Younker: I chose Duke for the excellent balance between competitive athletics and academics.
GD: How did you get started in rowing?
MY: I started rowing during my junior year at Colby College and I instantly fell in love with the sport.
GD: What stuck out to you about the team in your decision-making process that made the decision feel right?
MY: I think it was the positive encouragement and welcoming environment that stood out to me right from the start and made me very excited to be a part of it.
GD: What do you hope to do after graduation?
MY: I hope to pursue a career in finance after I graduate.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils rowing, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeROW".
#GoDuke
Younker joins the Blue Devils after graduating from Colby College in May and is now working toward her master's degree from Duke's Fuqua School of Business. The Grand Junction, Colo., native was a two-year member of the Colby women's crew team and Varsity Eight boat. During her junior year, she raced as part of the Varsity Eight lineup that earned a spot in the Petite Final at the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Championships. The Mules placed 12th overall in the Varsity Eight event and finished seventh in the team standings. Outside of rowing, Younker was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the women's basketball team during the 2022-23 season.
During the summer, GoDuke.com will be spotlighting each of the 17 newcomers.
GoDuke.com: Why did you choose Duke?
Mackenzie Younker: I chose Duke for the excellent balance between competitive athletics and academics.
GD: How did you get started in rowing?
MY: I started rowing during my junior year at Colby College and I instantly fell in love with the sport.
GD: What stuck out to you about the team in your decision-making process that made the decision feel right?
MY: I think it was the positive encouragement and welcoming environment that stood out to me right from the start and made me very excited to be a part of it.
GD: What do you hope to do after graduation?
MY: I hope to pursue a career in finance after I graduate.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils rowing, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeROW".
#GoDuke
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