University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Photo by: David Kaplan
Trio of Gopher Rowers Utilizing Summer Training
7/18/2025 1:30:00 PM | Rowing
MINNEAPOLIS - A trio of current and former student-athletes from the University of Minnesota rowing program are utilizing the summer months to ramp up their training regimen across the world. Manon Field, Josefine Freltoft, and Morgan Zahner are taking advantage of time away from campus to hone their skills and compete in major events on an international level.
After serving as a team captain for the Maroon and Gold last year as a junior, Manon Field is taking advantage of a new location for her summer training, an Olympic development program in Craftsbury, Vt.
"This summer I have had the amazing opportunity to train with Green Racing Project as a part of their U23 program," Field said. "This includes a serious practice schedule and the chance at some summer racing, ending with the Canadian Henley. While here this summer, I have been improving my technique and ability in sculling boat, a skill that I don't get to explore during the collegiate season. Development in small boats not only makes me more well-rounded as an athlete but contributes directly to larger boat classes, and I hope to transfer the boat skills I develop this summer into this next year. Craftsbury takes a unique approach when it comes to athlete development and the summer program gives me a chance to buy into their mission of sustainability in sport but also in life, with a focused mission on the pursuit of excellence in addition to stewardship of surrounding nature! This distinctive mission carried out in the Green Mountains of rural Vermont has been — literally and figuratively — a breath of fresh air! I think this summer marks a big next step in my rowing journey as I continue to knock on doors and explore new possibilities, and it has given me a new tool in my 'rowing toolbox' as I come to the last year of my collegiate rowing career and look to what could be next!"
Soon to be a junior with the Golden Gophers, Josefine Freltoft recently made the team for her native Denmark and will be competing in the women's four and women's eight at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships coming up later this month in Poznan, Poland.
"This summer I was invited to trials to make the World Rowing Championships," Freltoft added. "We started by doing a selection camp where we were sorted into different boats, then racing at the selection regatta, with the hope to make the cut. This year I fortunately did! It's a lot of early mornings and hard work, but it gives me a purpose and makes me feel like I'm working towards a goal that's bigger than myself. I love feeling like I'm improving myself and I love being a part of a team. The solidarity that builds within a crew is so special. It's always a great experience. Let's see what this season brings!"
Morgan Zahner completed her collegiate eligibility during the 2024-25 season at Minnesota, but that was not the end of her rowing career. The Galena, Ohio, native continued to train, which led to her participation in the World University Games selection camp with US Rowing. She earned her way onto the team and will be racing in Duisburg, Germany, in the women's double next week.
"Training camp took place in High Point, N.C., where myself and nine other rowers practiced in small boats," Zahner said. "I'm really grateful for an opportunity to continue to row as someone who has aged out of the U23 pathway. I'm very excited to race in Germany and compete against some former teammates. This will be my first time racing internationally and in a sculling boat."
It's a busy time of year for many Gopher rowers as they prepare for the upcoming campaign and will be highlighted throughout the summer.
After serving as a team captain for the Maroon and Gold last year as a junior, Manon Field is taking advantage of a new location for her summer training, an Olympic development program in Craftsbury, Vt.
"This summer I have had the amazing opportunity to train with Green Racing Project as a part of their U23 program," Field said. "This includes a serious practice schedule and the chance at some summer racing, ending with the Canadian Henley. While here this summer, I have been improving my technique and ability in sculling boat, a skill that I don't get to explore during the collegiate season. Development in small boats not only makes me more well-rounded as an athlete but contributes directly to larger boat classes, and I hope to transfer the boat skills I develop this summer into this next year. Craftsbury takes a unique approach when it comes to athlete development and the summer program gives me a chance to buy into their mission of sustainability in sport but also in life, with a focused mission on the pursuit of excellence in addition to stewardship of surrounding nature! This distinctive mission carried out in the Green Mountains of rural Vermont has been — literally and figuratively — a breath of fresh air! I think this summer marks a big next step in my rowing journey as I continue to knock on doors and explore new possibilities, and it has given me a new tool in my 'rowing toolbox' as I come to the last year of my collegiate rowing career and look to what could be next!"
Soon to be a junior with the Golden Gophers, Josefine Freltoft recently made the team for her native Denmark and will be competing in the women's four and women's eight at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships coming up later this month in Poznan, Poland.
"This summer I was invited to trials to make the World Rowing Championships," Freltoft added. "We started by doing a selection camp where we were sorted into different boats, then racing at the selection regatta, with the hope to make the cut. This year I fortunately did! It's a lot of early mornings and hard work, but it gives me a purpose and makes me feel like I'm working towards a goal that's bigger than myself. I love feeling like I'm improving myself and I love being a part of a team. The solidarity that builds within a crew is so special. It's always a great experience. Let's see what this season brings!"
Morgan Zahner completed her collegiate eligibility during the 2024-25 season at Minnesota, but that was not the end of her rowing career. The Galena, Ohio, native continued to train, which led to her participation in the World University Games selection camp with US Rowing. She earned her way onto the team and will be racing in Duisburg, Germany, in the women's double next week.
"Training camp took place in High Point, N.C., where myself and nine other rowers practiced in small boats," Zahner said. "I'm really grateful for an opportunity to continue to row as someone who has aged out of the U23 pathway. I'm very excited to race in Germany and compete against some former teammates. This will be my first time racing internationally and in a sculling boat."
It's a busy time of year for many Gopher rowers as they prepare for the upcoming campaign and will be highlighted throughout the summer.
Third Varsity Four Wins Again at B1G Invite
Monday, April 21
Second Novice Eight Wins at B1G Invite
Monday, April 21
First Varsity Four Wins at B1G Invite
Saturday, April 19
Third Varsity Four Wins at B1G Invite
Saturday, April 19