Laura Fern Jones of Navy women's rowing has been named the Patriot League Women's Rowing Scholar-Athlete of the Year, marking her prominence in both academics and athletics. The junior boasts a flawless 4.0 GPA as a chemistry major and played a key role in Navy’s rowing success this season, contributing in all five regular-season competitions. After overcoming injuries, she helped her crew secure a fourth-place finish at the Patriot League Championship. This recognition highlights her as a top student-athlete among her peers, underscoring the balance of academics and competitive sports at the Naval Academy.

By the Numbers
  • Laura Fern Jones has a perfect 4.0 GPA and ranks in the top five of all meritocracy rankings at the Naval Academy.
  • Navy women's rowing has now earned 11 Patriot League Scholar-Athlete awards across nine different student-athletes.
State of Play
  • All nine Patriot League women's rowing institutions were represented in the 2026 Academic All-Patriot League Team.
  • The Massachusetts Institute of Technology had the most selections with three student-athletes named.
What's Next

Jones will participate in the Trident Scholar program during the 2026-27 academic year, focusing on research related to tuberculosis. This involvement could further enhance her academic credentials and contribute significant findings in her field.

Bottom Line

Laura Fern Jones exemplifies the ideal balance of academic excellence and athletic performance, setting a commendable standard for future student-athletes at Navy. Her achievements reinforce the importance of dedication, not only in sports but also in scholarly pursuits.