MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Kristina Boncheva and Mandy Carper received Barry University rowing team's top individual awards as announced by Buccaneers head coach Dave Sanderson.
Boncheva, a junior from Sotia, Bulgaria, was named the Bucs' Rower of the Year. A First-Team All-Sunshine State Conference selection, Boncheva sat in the Buccaneers' stroke seat in the Varsity 8 crew during the entire 2012 season. She helped Barry finish second at the SSC Championships and sixth at the NCAA Division II National Championships. Her 7.13 erg time was the fastest among all nominees for the All-SSC varsity award.
"Kristina Boncheva, what can you say about her?" Sanderson said. "She's an exceptional athlete, exceptional student, exceptional human being. She's just an incredible leader on the team."
Carper, a freshman from Dover, N.H., was chosen as the team's Novice of the Year. Carper competed in her first year of rowing in 2012 as a member of the Bucs' Varsity 8 boat during the spring.
"Mandy's work ethic and previous competitive experience helped her excel, and she sat in the Varsity 8 all spring," Sanderson said.
Boncheva was joined by senior Renee Forcier and junior Helene Pierre on the All-SSC First-Team. Forcier, senior Courtney Greene and sophomore Jen Feriozzi were named to the College Rowing Coaches Association Pocock Scholar All-America Team.