University of Minnesota Athletics
2026-27 Women's Rowing Roster
Sydney Maki
- Class:
- Junior
- Position:
- Novice
- Height:
- 5-4
- High School:
- Chisago Lakes HS
- Hometown:
- Center City, Minn.
PREVIOUS
• Spent two years attending the University of Connecticut
HIGH SCHOOL
• Graduated with the highest honors from Chisago Lakes High School in 2024
• Competed in both basketball and tennis with the Wildcats
• Also lettered twice in Mathematics League
• Was a four-time Academic All-Conference selection in basketball and three-time honoree for tennis
• Member of the National Honor Society
• Landed on the Dean's List in all four semesters while attending Anoka Ramsey Community College through PSEO, where she earned an associate's degree in 2024
PERSONAL
• Daughter of David and Stephanie Maki
• Has an older sister, Mariah Smith
• Is part of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority on campus
• Has a Coton de Tulear, which is the national dog of Madagascar
• Been riding horses competitively since childhood and continues to compete in speed-based events like barrel racing
• Also competed at the Minnesota State Fair for more than 10 years
• Active in the Western Saddle Clubs Association (WSCA), an organization that brings together saddle clubs and riders across the Upper Midwest
• Enjoys being involved in youth sports, especially girls' basketball, and currently serves as an assistant coach for the Chisago Lakes 9th grade team
• Joined the CrossFit community four years ago and loves the mental and physical challenges it has provided, even helping develop an interest in rowing
• Chose to transfer to the University of Minnesota because "of the incredible engineering program and the opportunity to be closer to my family and the people who have shaped who I am today. Attending school across the country made me realize how important having a strong support system is. My family and friends have always been my biggest motivation, and I want to make them proud. The University of Minnesota offers the perfect balance of a high-quality education and opportunities for my future career. With its strong connections to the medical device industry, I know I will have opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and personally."
• Spent two years attending the University of Connecticut
HIGH SCHOOL
• Graduated with the highest honors from Chisago Lakes High School in 2024
• Competed in both basketball and tennis with the Wildcats
• Also lettered twice in Mathematics League
• Was a four-time Academic All-Conference selection in basketball and three-time honoree for tennis
• Member of the National Honor Society
• Landed on the Dean's List in all four semesters while attending Anoka Ramsey Community College through PSEO, where she earned an associate's degree in 2024
PERSONAL
• Daughter of David and Stephanie Maki
• Has an older sister, Mariah Smith
• Is part of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority on campus
• Has a Coton de Tulear, which is the national dog of Madagascar
• Been riding horses competitively since childhood and continues to compete in speed-based events like barrel racing
• Also competed at the Minnesota State Fair for more than 10 years
• Active in the Western Saddle Clubs Association (WSCA), an organization that brings together saddle clubs and riders across the Upper Midwest
• Enjoys being involved in youth sports, especially girls' basketball, and currently serves as an assistant coach for the Chisago Lakes 9th grade team
• Joined the CrossFit community four years ago and loves the mental and physical challenges it has provided, even helping develop an interest in rowing
• Chose to transfer to the University of Minnesota because "of the incredible engineering program and the opportunity to be closer to my family and the people who have shaped who I am today. Attending school across the country made me realize how important having a strong support system is. My family and friends have always been my biggest motivation, and I want to make them proud. The University of Minnesota offers the perfect balance of a high-quality education and opportunities for my future career. With its strong connections to the medical device industry, I know I will have opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and personally."
Monday, September 28
Friday, May 08
Wednesday, October 08
Monday, April 21
