Danielle Brennan, a sophomore at St. Mary's College of Maryland, has won the Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award, becoming the youngest person and only college student to win the award in its 34-year history.
Brennan, 19, beat out several professionals for the award. She is a member of the St. Mary's sailing team that has been top-ranked in the nation and won two national titles in 1994. Her individual accomplishments in the past year include: first in the U.S. Women's National Singlehanded Championships, first in the Intercollegiate Yacht Racing Association (ICYRA) Atlantic Coast Women's Dinghy Championships and first in the ICYRA Women's Singlehanded Nationals.
"I really attack the sport as far as the physical and mental aspects of it, and I spent a lot of time on the water," said Brennan. "I also try to learn from everyone around me. That's easy here at St. Mary's because everyone here is so good. We all just push each other in practice."
St. Mary's coach Adam Werblow, a member of the U.S. Sailing Team from 1989-92, said: "Besides attitude, talent and stellar sailing technique, Danielle has the kind of drive and stamina it takes to make it to the top."