Pittsburgh, Pa. – A pair of student-athletes from the Duquesne University rowing team were named to the For Stars Network (FSN) 2026 NCAA Division I Watchlist, as junior Ella Hinchey and freshman Katherine Zema were bestowed the honor.

A total of 196 student-athletes across 94 NCAA Division I programs were honored by the FSN staff named to the watchlist, which is in its third season honoring rowers. Nominations were made with the following criteria: 2024-25 regular season, conference championship and national championship lineups, 2025-26 fall racing, comparative erg times, coaching staff nominations and yearly trajectory.

Hinchey, a native of Lancaster, Pa., has been a steady presence for Duquesne as the stroke for the second varsity eight this season. She helped the Dukes claim their third consecutive U.S. Steel Cup to open the year at the Head of the Ohio, serving as the No. 2 seat for an Open 8+ that claimed first thanks to a time of 14:16.969.

Zema, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., is in her first season with the Dukes and in her NCAA Division I debut served as the stroke for the Novice 8+ that also claimed gold at the Head of the Ohio with a time of 14:21.600. She used that performance to earn a spot as the No. 6 seat in the Second Varsity Eight, assisting Duquesne to earn five medals at the Head of the Occoquan.

A total 16 student-athletes from eight teams across the Atlantic 10 were named to the 2026 FSN NCAA Division I Watchlist, including three from La Salle and Saint Joseph's.

Led by head coach Matt Carlsen, the Dukes will open their spring season Saturday, March 21, by competing at Cornell. Duquesne will also host Robert Morris Friday, April 3, before the first invitational of the year, which comes Saturday, April 11, in Washington, D.C., in a competition hosted by fellow A-10 foe George Washington. The 2026 Atlantic 10 Championship is set for Saturday, May 16, in Camden, N.J.

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