University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

Faith Brooks, left, was named CRCA Athlete of the Year for Division II on Thursday. [Tom Dunning Photos]

Women's Rowing 8/17/2023 10:48:00 AM Chris Brannick

Faith Brooks Named CRCA Athlete of the Year

Two-Time All-American And Former National Champion Earns Prestigious Award

WILMINGTON, Del. – Faith Brooks has been named the 2022-23 College Rowing Coaches Association Division II Student-Athlete of the Year, it was announced Thursday.

READ THE CRCA RELEASE HERE

"It's an incredible honor for Faith to have been nominated," UCO head rowing coach Jen Gilbert said. "Faith recognizes that hers, and our teams' achievements are the sum of everyone in the boathouse contributing to something that is greater than themselves. She is modest in her abilities yet strives from whatever seat she is in to motivate, inspire and bring out the best in those around her. She was an incredible captain for UCO this past season and I cannot wait to see what she will achieve in her final year."

Brooks is a two-time All-American and a former national champion. She was named GNAC Freshman of the Year in 2021 before Central Oklahoma won its third consecutive Division II national title. Brooks was a key member of the Varsity 8+ boat that also won the national championship.

In 2022, Brooks was First Team All-GNAC and helped the team to a fifth-place finish at nationals.

This past season, Brooks was a major contributor in helping Central win its second GNAC title in three years. She helped the Bronchos win several races throughout the season and positioned UCO to the No. 1 spot in the CRCA national rankings at point in the season.

Brooks led the Bronchos back to nationals and helped UCO finish runners-up. Brooks was in the V8+ again and the Bronchos won their heat race and finished second in the grand finals at the national championship.

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Players Mentioned

Faith Brooks: 5' 8"; Junior; Varsity

Players Mentioned

Faith Brooks
: 5' 8"; Junior; Varsity