University of Minnesota Athletics
2023-24 Women's Rowing Roster
Abston, Zara
Zara Abston
- Class:
- Freshman
- Position:
- Novice
- Height:
- 5-8
- High School:
- Skyline HS
- Hometown:
- Ann Arbor, Mich.
Bio
2023-24 | FRESHMAN
• Competed on the novice team at five regattas for the Gophers in her first year
• Turned in a fourth-place result with the 2N8 at the Big Ten Championship (May 19) to close the season
• Placed fourth in all three races as a part of the 2N8 boat during the Big Ten Invitational (Apr. 19-20) from Sarasota, Fla.
• Finished second in a pair of duals versus Kansas and Kansas State at the Big 12/Big Ten Double Dual (Apr. 12) with the 2N8
• Raced in an exhibition during a dual against Gonzaga (Mar. 10) to begin the spring season in Chula Vista, Calif.
• Made her collegiate debut at the season-opening Head of the Mississippi Regatta (Oct. 7), placing third with the 2N8 crew
PERSONAL
• Daughter of Jumana Vasi and James Abston
• Has a younger sister, Amir
• Father, James, played basketball at Xavier from 1987-90
• Graduated from Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 2023
• Competed on the Eagles rowing team under the guidance of Kit Bennett and Lindsay Davis-Brady
• Team finished as Scholastic Rowing Association of Michigan state champions in both 2021 and 2022
• Won a Midwest Scholastic Rowing title in 2022
• Awarded the NAACP Freedom Fund Scholar Award in 2021 and 2022
• Chose to attend the University of Minnesota because of "all the amazing opportunities it offers both inside and outside the classroom"
• Competed on the novice team at five regattas for the Gophers in her first year
• Turned in a fourth-place result with the 2N8 at the Big Ten Championship (May 19) to close the season
• Placed fourth in all three races as a part of the 2N8 boat during the Big Ten Invitational (Apr. 19-20) from Sarasota, Fla.
• Finished second in a pair of duals versus Kansas and Kansas State at the Big 12/Big Ten Double Dual (Apr. 12) with the 2N8
• Raced in an exhibition during a dual against Gonzaga (Mar. 10) to begin the spring season in Chula Vista, Calif.
• Made her collegiate debut at the season-opening Head of the Mississippi Regatta (Oct. 7), placing third with the 2N8 crew
PERSONAL
• Daughter of Jumana Vasi and James Abston
• Has a younger sister, Amir
• Father, James, played basketball at Xavier from 1987-90
• Graduated from Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, Mich., in 2023
• Competed on the Eagles rowing team under the guidance of Kit Bennett and Lindsay Davis-Brady
• Team finished as Scholastic Rowing Association of Michigan state champions in both 2021 and 2022
• Won a Midwest Scholastic Rowing title in 2022
• Awarded the NAACP Freedom Fund Scholar Award in 2021 and 2022
• Chose to attend the University of Minnesota because of "all the amazing opportunities it offers both inside and outside the classroom"
Third Varsity Four Wins Again at B1G Invite
Monday, April 21
Second Novice Eight Wins at B1G Invite
Monday, April 21
First Varsity Four Wins at B1G Invite
Saturday, April 19
Third Varsity Four Wins at B1G Invite
Saturday, April 19
