GRP Row welcomes 6 new athletes
We are pleased to announce a new class of 6 rowers to the Green Racing Project. While a few of these athletes return to Craftsbury as former members of the U23 program, several are completely new to the Northeast Kingdom. This group of rowers will be training to qualify for international senior competition for 3 different countries: Armenia, Puerto Rico, and the USA. Please help us cheer them on in all the endeavors.
"While the team is reaching capacity, it feels great to invite these new exciting members to our year-round program. Each of them brings a different perspective, a common goal, and a great attitude." - Hap Whelpley, GRP Row coach
Grace Donabedian
Hometown: Windham, NH
Grace competed at Georgetown University (Class of 2020) where she was team captain while majoring in government and Arabic. After graduation, she took a break from competing until 2024 but now has her sights set on becoming the first Armenian women rower on the world stage.
“I’m thrilled to join the team for many reasons, but what excites me the most is how GRP embodies teamwork on and off the water. I’m looking forward to making connections throughout the Center and having the opportunity to make an impact within the community. Before Craftsbury I spent 4+ years in digital marketing, working on websites, social media channels, advertising campaigns, e-newsletters and more, so I’d love to assist with similar projects if they are available.”
Kevin Harvell
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Kevin comes to Craftsbury training to represent Puerto Rico at the Olympics. He attended Temple University where he studied architecture. His career highlights include 2025 Temple Scholar Athlete of the Year, 2nd Team All-American, PhillySIDA Academic All-Area Team, and 1st place Dad Vails 1v.
“My favorite quote is by Allyson Felix: ‘I always want to give more than I gave yesterday.’’ To me, this reflects the spirit of training constantly working to improve, push limits, and build on past efforts. But it also goes beyond athletics. It’s a reminder of the importance of giving back, whether that means contributing to communities through local projects or finding innovative ways to support and protect the environment.”
(Photo by Temple Athletics)
Natalie Hoefer
Hometown: Midland, Michigan
Natalie returns to Craftsbury as a former summer U23 athlete. She just graduated pre-med from Notre Dame and recently represented Team USA at U23 Worlds in the W8+, earning a silver medal. Other career highlights include 2x All-American, 2x 1st Team All-ACC, and 4x ACC All-Academic Team.
“I’m excited to get to know the community at Craftsbury and help out with things like CommRow and biathlon races.”
Sue Holderness
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Sue, a previous U23 GRP athlete, just graduated this past spring from the University of Texas at Austin with a business management degree in entrepreneurship and a minor in marketing. Her career highlights include 2x NCAA champion, 3x Big 12 champion, 2x U23 National Team member in the 2- & 4-.
“I am excited to join the team because of the elite coaching, competitive and positive team environment, and the opportunity to try new things for work hours and getting involved in the community!”
Jesse Ryno
Hometown: Alpine, New Jersey
Graduating from Georgetown University with a BA in Russian and MS in finance, Jesse comes to the GRP as a former U23 summer athlete. He just competed at the FISU Games, earning 7th in the M4-. His other career highlights are 2025 IRCA 2nd Team All-American, the 2024 IRA Chapman Trophy, and being the Georgetown boathouse record holder for the 2k and 6k.
“Environment is the most under-emphasized training tool. In making the move to Craftsbury, VT, GRP athletes completely commit themselves to their craft, as well as to those around them. The result is an environment where we all have each other's back and your teammates success is just as critical to you as your own. There is no better feeling.”
Quin Woods
Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska
Quin studied history and American studies at Trinity College where he also helped the Bantams to a historic IRA victory. His career highlights include 5th place in the collegiate 8+ at 2024 HOCR, an undefeated 2025 spring season, including gold medals at Knecht Cup, New England Rowing Championship, National Invitational Rowing Championships, and the D3 IRA National Championships, and being Trinity’s 2k record holder.
“I'm stoked to join the GRP and be part of a community that encourages each other to become better athletes and people each day. I can't wait to learn how to ski in the winter!”