Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1542879
WINTER / SPRING 2026 33 STEPHEN CONNOLLY ROWING Stephen Connolly met Sam Dommer while on the University of Washington crew. is connection led to Stephen's eventual introduction to the WAC in 2025. "Sam asked if I was interested in helping create and grow a rowing program for the WAC," Stephen recalls. "It was an easy decision because I knew the quality of the rowing would be good." As the newest addition to the roster of WAC sports teams, men's crew has already made a splash in the Seattle scene by winning the Masters 30+ division of the Windermere Cup last May. "e bar has been set," Stephen says. "We're excited for the 2026 season and to establish the foundation of a long-lasting program. We want to maintain a highly competitive standard." In 2026, the crew plans to compete in the Head of e Charles Regatta, San Diego Crew Classic, and, of course, defend its title on Montlake. "It was fantastic," Stephen says about last May's win. M E M B E R S I N C E 2 0 2 5 Karl Keane's current full- time job is rugby. He plays Major League Rugby for Anthem Rugby Carolina from February to July and usually returns to play sum- mertime 7s with the WAC. Karl started playing in high school at Bishop Blanchet and served a season with the Seawolves in 2023 aer graduating from St. Mary's College of California. "We pride ourselves on having a lot of homegrown talent," he says about the WAC team. "Familiar faces and friendly people are my favorite part of coming back to Washington." Karl's been playing for the Club since 2024 and grew up watching the Club dominate, including when the team was crowned Na- tional Club Champions in 2019. e deep connections his teammates have within the rugby community pro- vide players with something extra. "ere's an opportunity here to connect with people who do more than just professional sport," he says. "Networking and growing as a person is one of the Club's biggest advantages." KARL KEANE RUGBY M E M B E R S I N C E 2 0 2 4