FAIRFAX, Va. - First-year head coach Ted Nagorsen announced three student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent with the George Mason rowing program. Megan Gooding (Portland, Oregon/Riverdale), Anne Graf (Strafford, Pa./Conestoga) and Taylor Williams (Mathews, Va./Mathews) will join the Patriots for the 2014-15 season.

“The addition of all three incoming freshman will add to the bright future of Mason Rowing,” commented Nagorsen. “We have a young team and the future for George Mason University is going to be very exciting as we compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference for the first time.”

A multi-sport athlete from Portland, Oregon, Gooding currently attends Riverdale High School. She spent most of her athletic years as a competitive swimmer and started the sport of rowing in high school. Gooding plans on majoring in Epidemiology at George Mason. “Megan has a strong passion for the sport and I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with Megan and help her develop as a student athlete,” said Nagorsen.

Graf currently attends and rows for Conestoga High School in Strafford, Pa. During her junior year, Graf raced in a quad that earned first place at both Stotesbury and SRAA Nationals. She plans on majoring in Nursing when she arrives at George Mason. “Anne has had a lot of success this past season and her determination for training will be a great addition,” noted Nagorsen.

A native of Mathews, Va., Williams has split her time rowing for Mathews High School during the spring racing season and the rest of the year rowing for Mobjack Rowing Club under Head Coach Tim Ulsaker. Williams won the lightweight category at the Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints in 2013. She plans on majoring in Legal Studies when she arrives on campus next fall. “Taylor is going to be a great fit into our program,” Nagorsen remarked. “She is very passionate about academics and loves to work hard. She is going to thrive in this environment.”