WILMINGTON, Del. -- Wellesley College crew has received fifth place in the 2026 Pocock/College Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) NCAA Division III Preseason Poll. 

Wellesley started the season by taking third at the Quinsigamond Snake Regatta. Blue Crew went on to take sixth out of 37 boats in the Collegiate Eights race at the 2024 Head Of The Charles and third out of 22 at the Wormtown Chase.

Tufts University earned the top spot in the poll. Fellow NEWMAC teams Smith College (No. 4) and Coast Guard Academy (No. 13) are also ranked.

Blue Crew opens the 2025 spring season at the Washington College Invitational in Chestertown, Md. on Saturday, March 22. 

Full Division III Rankings:

1. Tufts
2. Williams
3. Trinity
4. Smith
5. Wellesley
6. Wesleyan
7. Bates
8. Hamilton
9. Ithaca
10. William Smith
11. Colby
12. Skidmore
13. Coast Guard
14. Catholic
15. Rochester

The Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association works to promote a positive collegiate rowing experience by fostering a diverse and inclusive community of coaches that value their professional development and promoting equity & leadership within the sport. The CRCA serves as the voice and advocate for its members, in order to grow and promote excellence in collegiate women's rowing.