Lute Salute Series

TACOMA, Wash. - Hannah Beach arrived on campus a newbie to the sport of rowing but soon found her groove with the Pacific Lutheran University women's rowing team. The Rosalia, Washington native will graduate in December as a three-time NCAA qualifier, a three-time Northwest Conference Champion, and a two-time All-NWC selection.
 

Hometown: Rosalia, Wash.

Highlights: 2x All-NWC Selection 3x NCAA Qualifier 7x NWC Crew of the Week

 
"I've played a lot of sports in my lifetime and I can say with confidence that rowing has been the hardest both physically and mentally. It has pushed me to break through my comfort zones in order to be the type of leader the team needs and deserves. I'll definitely walk away from this sport a stronger leader and a harder worker which is going to help me bust through those comfort zones in other aspects of my life."
 
Growing up with a sporting background, Beach decided to give rowing a try as a first-year and never looked back. She was a member of the Lutes' varsity eight boat for the past four seasons, making three trips to the NCAA Division III Championships.
 
Beach's time in the 1V8+ boat saw the Lutes rack up several accolades, finishing fifth at the NCAA Championships in 2021 and seventh in both 2019 and 2018. The Lutes captured the NWC crown all three seasons the championship was contested while winning the Lamberth Cup against boathouse rival University of Puget Sound twice. Beach earned NWC Crew of the Week honors three times this spring while the Lutes' finish at the 2021 NCAA Championships was the programs best effort since the 2016 season.
 
"This last trip to the NCAAs was definitely my favorite part of my time on the rowing team. We are such a tight knit group this year and getting to strengthen those bonds while putting in hard work on the water was super fun."
 
When not on the water or nursing clinicals, Beach is a member of the PLU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and a for the past two years, a part of the Active Minds Club, an organization that supports mental health awareness and education for young adults. Beach additionally works for campus restaurants at Old Main Market. 
 
"I don't think there are words to describe how thankful I am for my teammates and coaches. My teammates are the most supportive, loving, and hardest working people I know. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without my coaches. They are so dedicated to helping us succeed in anything we do, on and off the water. I'm going to miss all of them so much and want them to know how big of an impact they've had on my life during these very short four years."
 
Beach will return to campus this fall for one more semester before graduating in December with a degree in nursing.