Melissa Stuart Class: Freshman Hometown: Rome, NY High School: Pomfret Position: Varsity

"Melissa was a very sought after prospect and we are thrilled she chose Mason," said Dillard. "She has the complete package of competitiveness, athleticism, and a great attitude. So far in her short rowing career she has already achieved great success at big races including US Junior Nationals and Canadian Henley. We look forward to Melissa continuing that success at Mason, and bringing our program to new heights." (Coach Dillard) Prep Career: Stuart earned varsity letters in four sports at Rome Free Academy in New York and Pomfret School in Connecticut. She was the recipient of the 2006 Crew Captain's Award and was selected as captain in 2007 at Pomfret School. As a rower for the Griffins in 2006, her boat won the Dupont Cup, earned a bronze medal at the New England Interscholastic and a silver medal at the Junior Nationals, all in fours. She won the 2006 Gold medal Royal Canadien Henley Junior Women Eight for St. Catherine's Club. Personal: The Rome, N.Y. native was heavily recruited from schools all over the country, including Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and Texas. Her older brother Mike plays varsity ice hockey at Brown University.