BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Canisius College rowing program added one more for the upcoming season on Monday, as head coach Joel Furtek announced that Blasdell N.Y. native, Emma Vicaretti will be a member of the Blue and Gold starting in 2016-17.

"Emma has been on our radar for a long time,” Furtek said. “We were drawn to her focus and her work ethic, and it has been exciting to watch her develop her speed and leadership in the boat. She's the kind of rower you always want in the boat with you, because you know that she is committed to making herself as good as she can be, to helping the boat succeed, and to pulling all the way down the course. She's 100 percent effort all day every day.”

Vicaretti will find her new home for rowing is a familiar one, as she currently rows for the West Side Rowing Club, as a member of their lightweight eight.

This past Sunday, the Canisius newcomer was a part of a boat that won the John Bennett Regatta in a tightly contested race, winning with less than a second between first and third place.

Aside from her local rowing ties, she has raced on the world stage, competing at the Head of the Charles and the CRASH-B Sprints.

"The transition to college rowing can be difficult but we know that Emma's personality and strengths will suit her well in our system,” Furtek said. “I expect that she will have an impact on our team speed immediately, with great room for development after that.”

Out of the boat Vicaretti is a member of the National Honor Society as well as earning the West Side Rowing Club Officer's Award in 2015.

"Emma is a great fit for our incoming class, and she had already connected with her future teammates before signing with Canisius,” Furtek said. “I couldn't be happier to welcome her to the Griffs' family.”