Ursuline Academy of Dallas already has earned state title wins and accolades that prove its excellence in Texas private school athletics. But Ursuline’s latest achievement elevates it to the global stage.
“We’re so proud to announce that Ursuline’s rowing team has been invited to compete at the Head of the Charles Regatta for the first time,” said Head Coach, Dr. Ben Andrews.
Since its inception in 1965, the Head of the Charles has become one of the most prestigious regattas in the country. Attracting tens of thousands of spectators, this three-day rowing competition brings the world’s best crew teams to the banks of the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts, for the ultimate rowing competition.
“It’s the largest rowing race in the world,” Andrews said. “It’s a festival of rowing that happens every October on the Charles River and features everyone from high school rowing all the way up to the national teams. So, there are master’s boats, alumni boats for various colleges, college boats, and youth.”
While this event is open to just about every category of rower, it’s much more selective when it comes to which teams are invited to compete.
“Of course, everyone wants a spot,” Andrews said. “But it’s literally the luck of the draw. A lottery system determines who gets invited, and we have never won the lottery. So, this is a really big deal for us. Especially because if you break the top 50% in the competition, you’re invited to compete in the following year.”
There’s good reason to believe the Bears could punch that return ticket. Last year, Ursuline crew teams delivered outstanding performances at the U.S. Rowing Youth National Championships. The 1V8+ crew posted its fastest time of the season at 7:25.93, and the 2V8+ crew placed first in the final with a dramatic finish.
“We have 26 girls returning for the year,” Andrews said. “And tryouts are currently underway to determine how the rest of the team will shape up. I’m really excited for these girls to show off all the hard work they have been putting in.”
Ursuline’s presence at this event further underscores the growing popularity of rowing across the region. While the Northeast has traditionally maintained a stronghold on the sport, Andrews believes that Texas could soon become a much bigger part of the story.
“The sport has really taken off,” Andrews said. “It’s an absolutely growing incubator for girls to learn teamwork, discipline, and focus. In the last couple of decades, it’s expanded to the southeast, and now the central region is the fastest-growing region for rowing. Right now, we’re teaching the first generation here, and hopefully these girls will turn around, and their kids will come and row in Central Texas.”
The Head of the Charles Regatta will run from Oct. 16 to 18. Ursuline will compete in the Women’s Youth Eights division.
Ursuline’s other athletic achievements include multiple Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools state titles in golf, tennis, and soccer. The Bears won 6A Girls Athletics School of the Year in 2025.
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