Author: Rob Paterson

Alice Taillefer, a member of Aviron Knowlton (AKR) and the Quebec High-Performance program (Centre National de Développement et Performance), has received a full scholarship offer from the University of Michigan. In the fall of 2025, she will leave Knowlton to begin four years at Michigan, majoring in physics. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, residence, and board.

This is excellent news for Alice and a beacon of inspiration for many young women who row on Brome Lake. A U.S. law called Title IX ensures equal funding for women’s sports. Universities like Michigan, with large athletics programs for men, also have exceptionally well-endowed programs for women’s sports. Women’s rowing is particularly favored under this system.

Sports scholarships are awarded based on athletic potential, evidence of diligent character, and demonstrated achievement in both athletics and academics.

Until 18 months ago, Alice was a successful high school volleyball player who had never been in a boat. During a Royal Bank of Canada athletic assessment session, Karol Sauvé from Aviron Québec (AQA) recognized her potential as a rower. With no prior experience, she joined AKR, where Aviron Québec coach Akram Othmani took over her training.

Alice excelled quickly, competing at a high level in her first year—so much so that the Michigan head coach traveled to Knowlton to evaluate her.

The AQA coaching staff is based at Brome Lake, offering unique oversight of AKR’s club coaches and rowers. AQA also maintains direct connections to elite rowing programs, such as the one at Michigan, facilitating opportunities like Alice’s scholarship.