SACRAMENTO, Calif. – St. Francis senior and Capital Crew product Kendall Carlsen has committed to Southern Methodist University and will sign with the Mustangs rowing program.

“I went to the campus on an official visit, I had never been to Texas before,” said Carlsen, who was also considering Loyola Marymount and USD. “I knew right away that it was the school for me, I feel I will fit in very easily. I liked Texas, the team and the coaches. They have a new coaching staff so I know the program will be very successful in the future.”

Carlsen, who plans to study business, will be joining a Mustang program coached by Kim Cupini. She arrived on the Hilltop in the summer of 2017 after serving as head rowing coach at the University of San Diego for 10 seasons. Cupini led the Toreros to four West Coast Conference championships, finishing as high as 15th at the NCAA Championships, and earned WCC Coach of the Year five times.

Carlsen has been competing as a starboard in the seven seat for Capital Crew where she is coached by Sarah Puddicombe, a three-time All-American and former Division II National Champion.

“Kendall is a phenomenal athlete,” said Puddicombe. “Her biggest strength is that she can sit any seat on the starboard side. Her athleticism and versatility will help her succeed at Southern Methodist University.”

She was introduced to the sport as a freshman while attending Oak Ridge, where she also played lacrosse before transferring to St. Francis for her junior season.

“I have had the best experience at St. Francis,” said Carlsen. “I am so happy to be a Troubadour and get to be a part of an amazing group of girls.”

Carlsen recently competed in the JV race at the Head of the Lake event in Seattle with her club boat, finishing 7th out of 28 competitors. She also competed in the San Diego Crew Classic last spring.

“It was definitely a tough race but it was great to be with all of my teammates,” said Carlsen, who battled snow at the Seattle event.

Carlsen will participate in the St. Francis signing event on Wednesday. It will be shown online on TroubieTV.