OSHAWA, Ont. – Kierstyn Hawke is a true warrior.

In 2024, Hawke won bronze at the OUA championships in singles and silver in doubles at Nationals.

A truly remarkable achievement, considering she was going through some major struggles on her own.

She was going through some health issues both personally and mentally and originally had no expectations going into the fall for the season and decided in her head to put PhD work first before rowing.

"To my surprise, my season started off strong – I was fourth at the Head of the Trent and three at the Brock Invitational in the single, along with solid results in the double", said Hawke.

It was around this moment in time Hawke learned that her grandfather was seriously ill, and she spent evenings at the hospital with him.

"We were very close, and he was perhaps my biggest cheerleader in the sport", Hawke said.

Hawke's grandfather sadly passed away on October 24 just twelve hours before the OUA Rowing Championship. Still, she went through with the championships for herself and for her teammates.

"At the start line, I looked up and thought, Opa, this one's for you", said Hawke.

She ended the race on the podium with a bronze medal.

"That bronze medal, won just hours after losing my Opa, will always hold a special place in my heart. I know I made him proud—I just wish I could have told him," said Hawke.

After the success of the OUA's, the nationals were around the corner and Hawke was going to compete in doubles with Kara Woodworth.

"(Woodworth is) a dedicated and reliable teammate—hardworking, coachable, and genuinely fun to be around. She's made incredible progress over the last few years, and it's been very exciting to see her grow.

"We had our ups and downs, no doubt – but every tough day was a learning opportunity, and every good day felt earned. I'm incredibly grateful to have shared this season with her. While I'm no longer eligible for (nationals), I look forward to hopefully having her as a partner for my final seasons as a Ridgeback (at the OUA Championships)."

The two competed hard at nationals, and crossed the finish line giving everything they had, folding over their oars in exhaustion. Once Hawk could move, she grabbed Woodworth by the shoulders and shook her, saying "We did it!"

Woodworth looked confused at Hawke and asked, "Did what?"

They had just placed second in women's doubles, and won the first national rowing medal in Ontario Tech history.

"I don't think she believed me until she saw our coaches jumping and cheering on the shoreline," said Hawke. "Emotions and excitement were high for everyone – but this medal truly goes to our coaching staff, especially our head coach, Jenn. It is their hard work and dedication, year after year, that made this possible and for that, both Kara and I are incredibly grateful."

This was a huge achievement for the program that even Kierstyn didn't see coming.

"The silver was an unexpected but incredible bonus," said Hawke. "When we got off the water, our team group chat was flooded with congratulations. Knowing how much it meant to the team and the program made the moment even more meaningful. This medal is part of a bigger story. It's a milestone for our program, and I'm proud to know it will be part of Ontario Tech rowing history."

Hawke is happy with how the season went on a personal level and for the rowing program at Ontario Tech as they received their first OUA medal since 2012 and the first medal in CU's history. She also became the first Ridgeback rower to win medals in the OUA's and the Nationals in a season and was awarded the team's Top GPA award at the Ridgebacks Academic Brunch in November.

"Our novice men also had a standout season picking up the gold medal at the OUA development regatta, and many of our varsity athletes achieved personal bests and top 10 finishes," said Hawke. "It was a rewarding season that truly reflects the hard work and commitment of our coaching staff and athletes. As a small school not widely known for athletics, seeing such success across the entire athletic department was incredibly motivating.

"After nearly a decade as a Ridgeback, it's inspiring to see the growth and perseverance pay off. This season was one for the history books."