Senior Alison Bradus to Sign with Gonzaga Rowing

Senior Alison Bradus to Sign with Gonzaga Rowing

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis senior Alison Bradus has committed to the Gonzaga rowing team to compete for the Zags and attend school next fall.

"I chose Gonzaga because it was one of the most competitive teams I was talking to and they have a great history," said Bradus. "They have won their conference for the last four years now."

Bradus will study business administration, taking part in the pre-law program, and has been accepted to the Honors Program in Spokane.

"I have the opportunity to balance academics and athletics," said Bradus. "I am going to get a really well-rounded experience out of it."

Bradus will join a program coached by first-year coach Marisa Wortman, who has been part of the staff for the last three seasons as an assistant. She has helped GU to three consecutive West Coast Conference titles and three NCAA appearances.

"They have new all-female coaching staff this year," said Bradus. "I think they are all great role models because each of them have competed in the NCAA Championship. They wouldn't ask us to do anything they have not done themselves. It is great to have the female leadership and I am excited to compete for them."

Gonzaga has an exciting athletic department, including a top-ranked basketball team. Former Troubie Claire Barbe is a junior on the volleyball team and alumnae Cheryl Murbach '14 and Madeleine Vespieren '12.

"They have such a great athletics program and I am excited about being a part of the whole spirit," said Bradus.

Bradus, who started rowing five years ago, lists among her career highlights competing at the nationals in Sarasota, Fla., with the varsity eight and placing 10th overall. She raced in the four with St. Francis classmate Kelly Niethammer at the Head of the Charles this fall, finishing 13th overall and earning an automatic bid for her Capital Crew program next year.

"Alison Bradus has been a member of Capital Crew for 5 years," said Sarah Puddicombe. "She is extremely dedicated and versatile as she can sit any seat on Port side. She has had a lot of success as she has raced both in the Varsity 8+ and Junior Varsity 8+. Gonzaga is lucky to have her."

Bradus, who lives in Gold River, fell for the sport during her freshman season.

"I had no idea what I was getting into," said Bradus. "I was looking for a sport I could try out and it had a short tryout period. I never imagined I would be where I am now. During freshman year I realized it was something I could continue and really feel in love with."

She lives one mile from her training location at Lake Natoma.

"It was right in front of my face my whole life and I tried all these different sports and finally figured out this is where I am meant to be," said Bradus.

Bradus does service with the National Charity League and tutors for the SAT on campus in her free time. She won a Gold Medal in a national French contest in 2017.

A versatile rower, Bradus has competed in stroke, six seat and other port positions in her career. She is looking forward to the Southwest Championships to be held at Lake Natoma in May.

Bradus will join her senior classmates making collegiate commitments at the St. Francis Signing Day event on April 17.