University of Minnesota Athletics
2025-26 Women's Rowing Roster
Sydney Leston
- Class:
- Sophomore
- Position:
- Varsity
- Height:
- 5-6
- High School:
- Waukesha North HS
- Hometown:
- Waukesha, Wis.
2025-26 | SOPHOMORE
Academic All-Big Ten
• Took to the water for four events with the Gophers this season
• Ended the year by placing third with the 4V8 in the opening heat at the 2026 Big Ten Rowing Championships (May 15)
• Put together a dominating effort at Lake Phalen during the Twin Cities 2K (May 2) as the 4V8 boat picked up victories in both the heats and finals
• Raced three times with the 4V8 crew in Sacramento at the Big Ten Invitational (Apr. 18-19), earning a third-place result to cap the weekend after finishing fourth in the heats and fifth in the semifinals
• Opened the season at home during the Head of the Mississippi Regatta (Oct. 4), placing sixth on the 5V4 boat
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."
Academic All-Big Ten
• Took to the water for four events with the Gophers this season
• Ended the year by placing third with the 4V8 in the opening heat at the 2026 Big Ten Rowing Championships (May 15)
• Put together a dominating effort at Lake Phalen during the Twin Cities 2K (May 2) as the 4V8 boat picked up victories in both the heats and finals
• Raced three times with the 4V8 crew in Sacramento at the Big Ten Invitational (Apr. 18-19), earning a third-place result to cap the weekend after finishing fourth in the heats and fifth in the semifinals
• Opened the season at home during the Head of the Mississippi Regatta (Oct. 4), placing sixth on the 5V4 boat
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."
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
