BRISTOL, R.I. - For the 2019-20 season, the Roger Williams University Sailing team will be captained by senior Ariana Smaldone (Tiverton, R.I.) and juniors Spencer Cartwright (Nassau, Bahamas) and Riley Read (Portland, Ore.).
 
Smaldone has been a valuable crew on the women's team over the last three years. On top of sailing and studying Public Relations, she's managed several internships and work-study positions. Read switched majors this year from Engineering to Construction Management and has filled a myriad of roles throughout his first two years on the team, spending time in both ends of the boat. Cartwright, an Engineering major, stepped up to skipper B division during the 2018-19 season. They will lead the team of approximately 25 sailors from around the country, the Caribbean Islands, and Japan.
 
Coach Callahan commented, "These three have very different strengths, and together they will complement each other really nicely! I know they will be a really dynamic leadership team. This past year Ariana, Riley, and Spencer all embodied our team core values daily. As a bonus, it will also be great to have juniors on the leadership team again."
 
The captain selection process involves a formal application process with a cover letter and resume, followed by interviews with the coaches and any graduating captains. The team also has a chance to offer their feedback on the candidates. Coach Callahan said, "Being Captain of the team is like having a job and we treat the process like a job interview. Through the selection process, we try to prepare our student-athletes for real world interviews and life after college."
 
During the feedback process, all team members are invited to comment on the candidates. They had the following to say:
 
"Ariana has been very selfless and put the team first many times throughout the year. She is the most organized and responsible which will be very beneficial in conveying information between the coach and the rest of the team."
 
"Ariana has all the necessary skills and maturity to lead. She's organized, efficient, and level-headed. She has the drive to get better."
 
"Riley is a huge asset for the team that really embodies many of the ideal qualities I'd want in a captain."
 
"Spencer has proven himself on the water during his first two years and worked very hard to get there. He has pushed the underclassmen hard to help them learn and represents a healthy student-athlete balance."
 
"Spencer is a clear leader on the team; he is constantly giving feedback and building people up. I think everyone looks up to him and seeks him for advice."
 
The season opens on September 7^th with the Hawks hosting a home regatta in addition to regattas at Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the Coast Guard Academy.