University of Minnesota Athletics
2025-26 Women's Rowing Roster
Elsie Belina
- Class:
- Sophomore
- Position:
- Varsity
- Height:
- 5-9
- High School:
- Southwest HS
- Hometown:
- Minneapolis, Minn.
2025-26 | SOPHOMORE
• Took to the water for five events with the 3V4 crew during her second year on campus
• Concluded the season in the Grand Finals at the 2026 Big Ten Rowing Championships (May 15-17), helping the 3V4 boat cross the finish line in sixth place after securing a spot via a third-place performance in the opening heats
• Powered the 3V4 to a race win to start the day on Lake Phalen at the Twin Cities 2K (May 2) before placing second in the afternoon's final
• Raced in three separate sessions with the 3V4 crew at the Big Ten Invitational (Apr. 18-19), capturing a race victory on Saturday afternoon to complement second and third-place efforts over the weekend
• Competed across three rigorous rounds in the 3V4 boat at the Rocky Top Invitational (Apr. 3-4), picking up back-to-back third-place finishes in the heats and semifinals before taking fourth in the final round
• Began the season as part of the 3V4 crew at the Head of the Mississippi Regatta (Oct. 4), pulling to a third-place finish
2024-25 | FRESHMAN
• Competed in four regattas in her first season with the Gophers
• Ended the year by winning the 2N8 Petite Finals at the Big Ten Conference Championships (May 18) after placing fourth in the heats to begin the competition (May 17)
• Closed the Big Ten Invitational (Apr. 18-19) in Sarasota, Fla., with a win on the 2N8 boat after finishing third in the regatta's opening two sessions
• Picked up a 2N8 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 1N8 crew at the season-opening Head of the Mississippi Regatta (Oct. 5) and finished first in the Collegiate Freshman 8+ race
PERSONAL
• Daughter of Daniel and Rachel Belina
• Has an older brother, Alec
• Graduated from Southwest High School in 2024
• Lettered four years on the swimming team for head coach Chris Aarseth
• Was a four-time All-Minneapolis City Conference selection with the Lakers
• Competed at the MSHSL state swim meet in 2021 and was part of a relay team that raced at state in 2023
• Served as a swimming team captain as a senior
• Named the Lakers' team MVP during her junior season after getting the Outstanding Rookie Award as a freshman
• Chose to attend the University of Minnesota because "it offers me the opportunity to pursue my interests along with offering me the classes I need for my degree. The school also gives me the resources I need to compete at a collegiate level, which helps me succeed in and out of competitions."
• Took to the water for five events with the 3V4 crew during her second year on campus
• Concluded the season in the Grand Finals at the 2026 Big Ten Rowing Championships (May 15-17), helping the 3V4 boat cross the finish line in sixth place after securing a spot via a third-place performance in the opening heats
• Powered the 3V4 to a race win to start the day on Lake Phalen at the Twin Cities 2K (May 2) before placing second in the afternoon's final
• Raced in three separate sessions with the 3V4 crew at the Big Ten Invitational (Apr. 18-19), capturing a race victory on Saturday afternoon to complement second and third-place efforts over the weekend
• Competed across three rigorous rounds in the 3V4 boat at the Rocky Top Invitational (Apr. 3-4), picking up back-to-back third-place finishes in the heats and semifinals before taking fourth in the final round
• Began the season as part of the 3V4 crew at the Head of the Mississippi Regatta (Oct. 4), pulling to a third-place finish
2024-25 | FRESHMAN
• Competed in four regattas in her first season with the Gophers
• Ended the year by winning the 2N8 Petite Finals at the Big Ten Conference Championships (May 18) after placing fourth in the heats to begin the competition (May 17)
• Closed the Big Ten Invitational (Apr. 18-19) in Sarasota, Fla., with a win on the 2N8 boat after finishing third in the regatta's opening two sessions
• Picked up a 2N8 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 1N8 crew at the season-opening Head of the Mississippi Regatta (Oct. 5) and finished first in the Collegiate Freshman 8+ race
PERSONAL
• Daughter of Daniel and Rachel Belina
• Has an older brother, Alec
• Graduated from Southwest High School in 2024
• Lettered four years on the swimming team for head coach Chris Aarseth
• Was a four-time All-Minneapolis City Conference selection with the Lakers
• Competed at the MSHSL state swim meet in 2021 and was part of a relay team that raced at state in 2023
• Served as a swimming team captain as a senior
• Named the Lakers' team MVP during her junior season after getting the Outstanding Rookie Award as a freshman
• Chose to attend the University of Minnesota because "it offers me the opportunity to pursue my interests along with offering me the classes I need for my degree. The school also gives me the resources I need to compete at a collegiate level, which helps me succeed in and out of competitions."
Cinematic Recap: Twin Cities 2K
Friday, May 08
Head of the Mississippi Hype
Wednesday, October 08
Third Varsity Four Wins Again at B1G Invite
Monday, April 21
Second Novice Eight Wins at B1G Invite
Monday, April 21
