BRISTOL, R.I. – The Roger Williams University sailing team, coming off a season that saw them take home the Open Team Race National Championship, will look towards returning captains Claire Buckley and Carly Kiss alongside newly named captain Mathieu Dale.
 
Buckley, a senior majoring in accounting, was an All-American Honorable Mention Crew last season and has been a perennial Dean's List student. In addition to her leadership position within the team, she also serves as a peer mentor and president of Beta Alpha Psi off the water. Buckley was also an All-Academic Team honoree from the Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) last season.
 
Kiss enters her senior year, majoring in finance, after also earning All-Academic and All-American Crew honors for the 2024 season. Her prowess in boat handling and deep understanding of the sport, proved valuable in maintaining the team's competitive edge.
 
Joining them as a captain for his first season, Dale is majoring in economics. Dale represented the Hawks at the 2022 and 2023 ICSA Singlehanded National Championship, finishing in eighth and seventh respectively. He additionally represented St. Croix at the Pan-American Games last fall. Dale also received ICSA All-Academic Team recognition in July.
 
"We are thrilled to have Claire, Carly, and Mathieu leading the team this year," said Head Sailing Coach Amanda Callahan. "Their combined experience, leadership qualities, and dedication will be crucial as we aim to defend our national title and continue competing at the highest levels of college sailing."
 
In order to be selected as a team captain, student-athletes must put forth a formal application, with interview to follow with coaches and graduating captains. Members of the team also offer their feedback during the process.
 
"Being named captain of the team is like having a job and we treat the selection process like a job interview. Throughout the selection process we try to prepare our student-athletes for real world interview and life after college," noted Callahan.
 
"Each of our captains, have a unique ability that we were very high on throughout the process. Claire's ability to connect with the whole team and her commitment to excellence have made her a pillar of the team's success, for Carly, her passion for the sport and ability to inspire teammates makes her invaluable. We also recognize Mathieu's performance and he has been a key skipper for us throughout his collegiate career."
 
The Roger Williams University sailing team will open competition this weekend on Saturday, Sept. 7 when they host the Mt. Hope Invite, along with taking part in the Harry Anderson Trophy at Yale, Toni Deutsch Trophy at MIT, and the Pine Trophy at Coast Guard.