2025 HEAD OF THE CHARLES RECAP
Stanford alumni were well represented at the 2025 Head of the Charles Regatta, competing across a wide range of events throughout the weekend.
Stanford Rowing alumni showed up in force at the 2025 Head of the Charles Regatta, racing across championship, alumnae, masters, and family events throughout the weekend. While Stanford did not field a varsity entry this year, Cardinal representation was felt throughout the regatta — from the front end of elite championship fields to deep, competitive alumnae lineups and multi-generational crews.
Below is a recap of Stanford Rowing alumni results from HOCR 2025, highlighting standout performances, continued excellence at the top levels of the sport, and the depth of the Stanford rowing community across decades.
Elite Alumni Keep Racing at the Top
Azja Czajkowski '23 had quite the early career result in sculling, finishing 5th in the Women's Championship Singles with the US Training Center — Princeton. That's a remarkable result for someone whose career has mostly been sweep — especially in a field packed with seasoned international scullers. She's clearly making her case for continued Team USA selection in the top boats.
Event 39 — Women's Championship Singles
5th — US Training Center — Princeton — Azja Czajkowski '23 — Time: 19:11.1
Peter Chatain '23, fresh off his 2024 Olympic bronze medal, returned to HOCR, moving out of his typical “engine room” and now actually stroking the California Rowing Club's Men's Championship Eight. The field was stacked, but Chatain continues to prove he's still at an elite level heading into the next Olympic cycle.
Event 70 — Men's Championship Eights
11th — California Rowing Club — Peter Chatain '23 — Time: 13:59.3
Stanford Women's Alumnae Keep the Streak Alive
In the Women's Alumnae Eights event, Stanford alums put together a fast crew with multiple former U23 and senior national teamers, placing 7th out of 48 boats. That's another strong showing, maintaining Stanford's tradition in this event.
The Stanford Lightweight Alumnae also returned to the Charles, with a very strong representation from not-so-recent classes. Amazing to see such great commitment while so many other life demands are ramping up!
Event 24 — Women's Alumnae Eights
7th of 48 — Stanford Alumnae (Openweight) Time: 16:56.418
C: Noah Tan '22 (men's alum, pinch-hitting while studying at Harvard Law)
8: Esther Briz Zamorano '22
7: Julia Braz
6: Sophia Dixon
5: Lettie Cabot
4: Regan McDonnell '24
3: Lucy Black '24
2: Katelin Gildersleeve '24
1: Paloma Sequeira '22
Event 24 — Women's Alumnae Eights
36th of 48 — Stanford Alumnae (Lightweight) Time: 18:26.333
C: Shea Cours
8: Keagan Hanley
7: Hannah Levy
6: Allyson Hinson
5: Mikayla Chen '24
4: Brianna Goldstein
3: Sophie Molins '23
2: Savannah Ardrey
1: Laura Stickells
Twin Donut Still Going Strong
The legendary Twin Donut Boat Club (founded by Greg Klingsporn '92 and his twin brother, Geoff) once again brought multiple entries to HOCR. Word is there was some Charles River drama in the Parent/Child event involving a 55-second snafu that may have cost Jason Stinson and teammate Theo a top-20 finish — but as always, the spirit of Twin Donut shines through.
Event 7 — Men's Grand Master Doubles [50+]
6th — Twin Donut — Greg Klingsporn '92 — Time: 18:51.779
Event 73 — Directors' Challenge Parent/Child Doubles
27th — Twin Donut — Jason Stinson '90 (and Theo Christoffersen) — Time: 20:35.1
More Alumni Making Waves
Zander Packard '92 continues to be one of the most consistent HOCR competitors in the Stanford family.
Event 7 — Men's Grand Master Doubles [50+]
10th — Cambridge Boat Club — Zander Packard '92 — Time: 19:41.4
Steve Johnston '85 has also been very consistent at the Charles, traveling cross-country to stroke his Marin Rowing Association crew to a strong 4th place finish.
Event 20 — Men's Veteran Fours [60+, 70+]
4th — Marin Rowing Association — Steve Johnston '85 — Time: 19:10.4
Bonnie Baker Pohlig ’92 raced in the Directors’ Challenge Women’s Quads, placing 13th overall with Community Rowing, Inc. A 1990s Stanford standout and regular HOCR presence, she continues to show strong form and lasting passion for the sport.
Event 52 – Directors’ Challenge Women’s Quads
13th — Community Rowing, Inc. — Bonnie Baker Pohlig ’92 — Time: 18:22.6
Stanford Rowing Families — The Next Generation
Stanford rowing is clearly a family affair. Several Stanford rowers had their kids and parents competing this year:
Katrine Czajkowski, parent of Azja Czajkowski '23, raced in the Women's Grand Master Singles (Event 4) representing San Diego Rowing Club
Ella Pohlig, daughter of Bonnie Baker Pohlig ’92, raced for Colby College in the Women’s Collegiate Eights (Event 60), placing 21st in a competitive field
Bradley Edington (Dartmouth Lightweights), son of Becky Schroeder '90 — 5th in Event 71 (Men's Lightweight Eights)
Olivia Stinson (MIT Lightweights), daughter of Jason Stinson '90 — 7th in Event 68 (Women's Lightweight Eights)
Theo Christoffersen, racing with Jason Stinson in the Parent/Child double
HOCR Alumni Happy Hour
THANK YOU to all who attended the Stanford Rowing Head of the Charles Social!
Friday night, a spirited group of alumni and friends got together over drinks and snacks at Aeronaut Brewery to catch up and regale in rowing glory, past and present.
We were thrilled to catch up with so many alumni, family, and friends of Stanford Rowing — and we hope to see you again next year!
Final Thoughts
Even without a varsity entry, Stanford's presence at HOCR 2025 was felt everywhere — in the elite lanes and across generations. From top-5 championship finishes to resilient Twin Donut entries and multi-generational crews, this year's regatta reminded us what makes Stanford Rowing special: it's not just about the speed, it's about the lasting community and the love of the sport that has made a permanent mark on everyone’s life.
GO STANFORD ROWING!
