Samantha LeCrone ’22 Recruited for Monmouth University’s New D1 Crew Program

Samantha LeCrone ’22 Recruited for Monmouth University’s New D1 Crew Program
Samantha LeCrone'22. Photo by Micelle Hallmark Photography

Samantha LeCrone'22. Photo by Micelle Hallmark Photography

The Gunston School is pleased to announce that Samantha LeCrone ’22 of Preston, Md., has been awarded a full scholarship to Monmouth University in New Jersey, where she’ll be majoring in marine biology and policy. LeCrone was recruited to be a part of Monmouth’s brand new division one crew program.

“I am very interested in studying ways to be more sustainable, especially when dealing with the water,” said LeCrone, who chose Monmouth because of its small school atmosphere and close proximity to the beach. In addition to crew, she also is a competitive surfer, having recently competed in the O’Neill East Coast Grom Tour surf competition this past September in Ocean City, Md., where she placed in the top three of two heats before advancing to the final heat where she placed fifth against some of the most talented surfers on the East Coast.(LeCrone only began surfing competitively in the summer of 2020.)

LeCrone began rowing in her sophomore year. “I thought it was a cool opportunity to be able to do a sport on the water,” she recalls. “One of the biggest challenges of rowing is learning to work with a team. My favorite part about rowing is how physically challenging it is. Everything we do is uniquely challenging and increases my [desire] to get better. Another amazing part is the friendships that I have made through rowing. When out on the water, everyone has to work together or else the whole boat falls apart. This forces you to develop a strong relationship with your team.”

She goes on to share how excited she is about the opportunity to be on the first women's crew team at Monmouth. “Of course I have some nerves about starting my college rowing career and college in general. [...]. I think it is going to be very exciting to see the program grow and develop throughout the years.”

Monmouth’s Head Women’s Rowing Coach Scott Belford adds, “Immediately upon seeing Sam's resume and transcript, I was very interested. While she only picked up the sport of rowing in the spring of her sophomore year, she has been a multi-sport athlete and has challenged herself in several sports which translate well to rowing. Of particular interest was her experience as an equestrian, a tennis player and a competitive surfer. These sports require excellent core strength and tremendous balance as well as coordination.” He goes on to say “My first priority [was] to establish a culture that student athletes would want to be a part of. I focused on well rounded, academically gifted student athletes [and] Sam checked all of the boxes.” 

The LeCrone Family

Samantha LeCrone (center) with her parents Commander Lynda LeCrone and David LeCrone. Photo by Micelle Hallmark Photography.


In addition to crew and surfing, LeCrone is also on the Robotics Team, part of the Chess club and the National Honor Society in addition to various other pursuits.

“Once she arrived on campus for a visit, it was clear before we even finished breakfast that we wanted her here at Monmouth. Sam radiates positivity. Her intelligence and maturity are immediately evident as soon as you meet her,” added Belford. 

Gunston’s Head of School John Lewis shared, “As both her Head of School and her AP Government teacher, I’ve been so impressed with Sam as a student-athlete, and I know she is going to thrive at Monmouth!”
 

  • LeCrone
  • Monmouth University
  • class of 2022
  • crew
  • rowing
Photo by Micelle Hallmark Photography - Women's crew on corsica river
Samantha LeCrone'22. Photo by Micelle Hallmark Photography
The LeCrone Family