BSRA Alumni – what they’re doing now

By Rachael Kininmonth - 01/06/2022

From the 28th of June to the 3rd of July 2022,

a crew of BSRA alumni will be the first Queensland women’s 8+

to race at the Henley Royal Regatta in the UK.

This regatta is renowned as one of the most prestigious on the global rowing calendar. From Olympians to club athletes, the event caters to all. They will be racing in the Wargrave Challenge Cup representing Barbarians Rowing Club.

For most of the crew, this amazing opportunity is their first international regatta. They hope to inspire more Queensland women rowers to compete in this regatta and ultimately have a long and prosperous career in this incredible sport.

The girls are university students or recent graduates and are completely self-funding their trip. They are extremely hard core and motivated by this opportunity. They have been training relentlessly for months to ensure they reach their potential at the event. Follow them on the Henley Royal Regatta livestream.

The crew:

Lilee Lunney (cox):

I went to St Margaret’s and graduated in 2016. I’m in my final year at La Trobe University, studying Dietetics.

Ellen Pozzi (stroke):

Graduated All Hallows’ 2013 and completed a Bachelor of Science at Syracuse University in the US

Lily Alton (7 seat):

Graduated St Margaret’s in 2015, studied a bachelor of exercise and nutrition sciences

Sophie Lucas (6 seat):

Graduated BGGS in 2021 and currently studying a Bachelor of Business Management and Tourism at UQ

Ellie Parker (4 seat):

“I went to All Hallows’ and graduated in 2013. Since leaving school I’ve graduated with a bachelor’s of chemical and biological engineering and will hopefully have successfully graduated from my Master’s of sustainable energy before we compete at Henley!”

Phoebe Robinson (3 seat):

I went to Stuartholme and graduated in 2018. I am in my second year at the University of Queensland, Studying Agribusiness at Gatton

Maddie Williams (2 seat):

Graduated Brisbane Girls Grammar in 2016, currently studying a Master of Sustainable Energy. 

Issy Drewe (Bow):

I went to Somerville and graduated in 2019. In am in my 2nd year studying Occupational Therapy

Lize-mari Loots (5 seat):

I graduated from Citipointe high school in 2013, injured my knee playing basketball and volleyball and was talent identified through indoor rowing. I’m a cardiac nurse and currently rowing at QAS:))