2 Darien Girls Commit To Row At University Of Virginia

DARIEN, Conn. -- Two Darien girls have signed letters of intent to continue their careers with the powerful University of Virginia rowing team.

Gaby Kulesz of Darien has committed to continue her rowing career at the University of Virginia.
Photo Credit: *Courtesy of University of Virginia*

Claire Plunkett of Darien, who competes for Saugatuck Rowing Club, will continue her career at the University of Virginia.
Photo Credit: *Contributed by University of Virginia*

Tom Renner

12/02/2015 5:00 a.m.

Gaby Kulesz and Claire Plunkett will join the Cavaliers next year. Kulesz rows for Maritime Rowing Club and New Canaan Crew, which are based in Norwalk. Plunkett competes for Saugatuck Rowing Club of Westport.

Kulesz won a gold medal with her team's varsity quad at the Head of the Schuylkill. She also won a gold medal in the women's double and a bronze in the women's quad at the 2015 Club National Championships. She is coached by Yan Vengerovsky and Anna Cherednikova.

“I chose UVA because of the fantastic energy I felt when I visited,'' Kulesz said on the UVA website. "The coaches and everyone on the team immediately welcomed me. Everyone has a great attitude and are willing to push themselves while also creating a supportive environment."

Plunkett won a gold medal with Saugatuck at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta last month. She also won a bronze in the Women's Youth Four at the same regatta last year. She has also won medals at the USRowing Club National Championships. She is coached by Gordon Getsinger.

“I've always wanted to be at UVA,'' Plunkett said. "It has everything I was looking for in a school. UVA has a unique combination of excellent academics and incredible team culture and success.”

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