BRISTOL, R.I. — Roger Williams University sailing has announced Tavia Smith, Carter Sheehan, and Jancy Grayson as team captains for the 2026–27 academic year. Smith returns for her second consecutive season as captain, joining fellow senior Sheehan and junior Grayson in leading the Hawks on and off the water.
MEET THE CAPTAINS
Smith, a senior from Wilmington, N.C., is double majoring in finance and management. A skipper on the women's team, Smith has established herself as a leader both on and off the water. She is the founder and organizer of the Azalea Bowl Regatta and serves as president of Cape Fear Community Sailing. Smith is also a student fund manager in RWU's CAFE program and earned Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) All-Academic Team recognition for the 2025–26 season. She was also recognized with the NEISA Leadership Award last spring.
Sheehan, a senior from Middletown, R.I., is majoring in political science with minors in history and international relations. A 2026 All-NEISA Second Team Open Crew selection, Sheehan has represented Roger Williams at a wide range of collegiate sailing events. His experience and familiarity with the team's competitive environment will be important assets as he steps into a captaincy role.
Grayson, a junior from Falmouth, Mass., is double majoring in business management and public relations. With experience as both a skipper and a crew member, Grayson brings a versatile perspective to the leadership group. She also serves as one of the team's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representatives and is a member of the NEISA Tide Committee, demonstrating her commitment to representing student-athletes and contributing to the broader collegiate sailing community.
CALLAHAN'S OUTLOOK
"We are incredibly excited to have Tavia, Carter, and Jancy leading our team this year," said Shakin Family Head Sailing Coach Amanda Callahan. "Each brings a different strength to the captaincy. Tavia has already demonstrated her ability to lead through her commitment to the team, her success on the water, and her leadership in the sailing community beyond RWU. Carter has been a consistent and versatile contributor throughout his three years, and his experience gives him a strong understanding of what it takes to succeed as a Hawk. Jancy brings a thoughtful, team-oriented perspective, along with a willingness to represent her teammates and take on leadership responsibilities. Together, they are a strong group who will set the tone for our team, support their teammates' development, and help us continue to pursue excellence both on and off the water."
TEAM PERSPECTIVE
The Hawks' teammates shared their thoughts on the new leadership group, highlighting the captains' approachability, work ethic, and commitment to the team.
"Jancy and Tavia are organized, easy to talk to, and a great face of the team. Although Carter is a quiet guy, he shows what the ideal teammate is. He is hardworking, smart, kind, and someone easy for underclassmen to look up to. They will listen to him and work hard to be like him."
Another teammate emphasized Sheehan's dedication to sailing and his potential as a leader.
"Carter is incredibly dedicated to the sport in all aspects, and I think that part of his personality would make him an excellent team captain. He is such a great role model when it comes to anything sailing: his on-the-water attitude, his dedication to fitness, his insane work ethic, and his overall demeanor. While, yes, he can be relatively quiet, I think being captain would give him a great opportunity to work on speaking up more and really help influence him to become an even more active leader on the team."
A third teammate expressed confidence in the captains' ability to work together and guide the program.
"I think they will work well together and have important goals for the team. They are all responsible and passionate, as well as understanding and approachable people."
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Hawks return to competition October 31-November 1, competing at the Schell Trophy in Burlington, Vt., the Urn Trophy in Hanover, N.H., and the Nickerson Trophy in Medford, Mass. Roger Williams will also compete at the Terrier Invite in Boston, Mass., on Saturday, October 31.
