Aishling White accepts a full-ride rowing scholarship to Eastern Michigan University

It has been an extraordinary year for Year 13 student Aishling White, who received three offers for international rowing scholarships from Kansas University, the University of Sacramento – California, and Eastern Michigan University.

Aishling has been a member of the Hawke’s Bay Rowing Club for the past five years and has impressed throughout. She was awarded Best Novice Girl in her first season and went on to achieve several significant results early on, including first place in the Women’s Novice Coxed Four and second place in the Women’s Club Eight at the Rowing Championships. More recently, in the 2024–2025 season, she earned a silver medal in the Women’s Club Coxless Quad Sculls and proudly represented Iona College at the North Island Schools’ Championships.

Aishling is extremely grateful to have received three Division 1 scholarship offers, including two full-ride opportunities, which made for a challenging decision. After careful consideration, she is proud to accept a full-ride scholarship* to Eastern Michigan University, where she will combine her academic and rowing pursuits over the next four years. She will study  Finance and Economics, with the long-term goal of progressing to a competitive law school and sitting the US bar exam to practise law in the United States. 

* Aishling's full-ride scholarship includes her tuition fees, accommodation, food and rowing costs.   

Photos: Official 'signing day' and Eastern Michigan University rowsuit photos. 

Article added: Monday 24 November 2025