University of Minnesota Athletics
2025-26 Women's Rowing Roster
Leston, Sydney
Sydney Leston
- Class:
- Sophomore
- Position:
- Varsity
- Height:
- 5-6
- High School:
- Waukesha North HS
- Hometown:
- Waukesha, Wis.
Bio
2024-25 | FRESHMAN
• Competed in four regattas in her first season with the Gophers
• Closed the campaign by placing sixth in the 1N8 Grand Finals at the Big Ten Conference Championships (May 18) after finishing third in the opening-day heats (May 17)
• Raced three times on the 1N8 boat during the Big Ten Invitational (Apr. 18-19) in Sarasota, Fla., placing fifth, fourth, and third at the regatta
• Picked up a 1N8 victory over Iowa and Kansas on day one of the Big 12/Big Ten Double Duel (Apr. 11-12) before placing second on the final day
• Made her collegiate debut as part of the 2N8 crew that placed second in the Collegiate Freshman 8+ race at the season-opening Head of the Mississippi Regatta (Oct. 5)
PERSONAL
• Daughter of Adam and Andi Leston
• Has an older brother, Lucas
• Graduated from Waukesha North High School in 2024
• Was a four-year letter winner for the Northstars in swimming
• Held a 4.0+ cumulative grade point average throughout high school
• Was a member of the National Honor Society
• Competed with the Waukesha Express Swim Team from ages 7-14
• Enjoys writing, sewing, reading, and swimming in her free time
• Chose to attend the University of Minnesota because "I needed to get away from my hometown and broaden my horizons. The 'U' was just far enough away for me to experience that."
• Competed in four regattas in her first season with the Gophers
• Closed the campaign by placing sixth in the 1N8 Grand Finals at the Big Ten Conference Championships (May 18) after finishing third in the opening-day heats (May 17)
• Raced three times on the 1N8 boat during the Big Ten Invitational (Apr. 18-19) in Sarasota, Fla., placing fifth, fourth, and third at the regatta
• Picked up a 1N8 victory over Iowa and Kansas on day one of the Big 12/Big Ten Double Duel (Apr. 11-12) before placing second on the final day
• Made her collegiate debut as part of the 2N8 crew that placed second in the Collegiate Freshman 8+ race at the season-opening Head of the Mississippi Regatta (Oct. 5)
PERSONAL
• Daughter of Adam and Andi Leston
• Has an older brother, Lucas
• Graduated from Waukesha North High School in 2024
• Was a four-year letter winner for the Northstars in swimming
• Held a 4.0+ cumulative grade point average throughout high school
• Was a member of the National Honor Society
• Competed with the Waukesha Express Swim Team from ages 7-14
• Enjoys writing, sewing, reading, and swimming in her free time
• Chose to attend the University of Minnesota because "I needed to get away from my hometown and broaden my horizons. The 'U' was just far enough away for me to experience that."
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
