Navy Standouts Duffy, Vogel Earn Opportunity to Chase Team USA Dream at USRowing U23 Selection Camp

The pipeline from the United States Naval Academy rowing program to international competition continues to grow.

Two of the top performers from Navy’s nationally respected heavyweight rowing team, Nathaniel Duffy and Ben Vogel, have been selected to participate in the 2026 USRowing Under-23 Selection Camp, giving both Midshipmen an opportunity to earn a spot on Team USA for the 2026 World Rowing Under-23 Championships in Duisburg, Germany later this month.

The invitation is one of the highest honors available to collegiate rowers. Only a select group of the nation’s top young athletes are invited to compete at the camp, where they will battle for positions in boats representing the United States against the world’s best rowers.

For Navy, the selections are another sign that the heavyweight rowing program continues to develop elite talent capable of competing on the international stage.

An Elite Opportunity

The USRowing Under-23 Selection Camp serves as the final evaluation process for America’s developmental national team.

Athletes spend weeks training under some of the country’s top coaches before final crews are selected for the World Rowing Under-23 Championships. The regatta will take place July 23-26 in Duisburg, Germany, where the United States will compete against rowing powers including Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.

Making the camp alone places Duffy and Vogel among the nation’s elite collegiate rowers.

Nathaniel Duffy Continues Outstanding Career

Nathaniel Duffy has become one of Navy’s most dependable heavyweight rowers.

Throughout the 2026 season, Duffy helped anchor Navy’s varsity eight while consistently racing against many of the top collegiate programs in the country. His combination of power, endurance and technical consistency made him one of the Midshipmen’s most valuable athletes during the IRA season.

Duffy’s efforts earned national recognition when he was named a Second Team IRCA All-American, marking the second All-America honor of his collegiate career. He also helped lead Navy’s varsity eight through an impressive IRA National Championship performance that included victories over nationally ranked programs such as Columbia, Georgetown, Holy Cross and Wisconsin.

Now Duffy will have an opportunity to wear the red, white and blue.

Ben Vogel Among Nation’s Best

Ben Vogel has established himself as one of the premier rowers in college rowing.

A powerful member of Navy’s varsity eight, Vogel earned First Team IRCA All-America honors after another dominant season on the water. Like Duffy, Vogel is now a two-time All-American after helping lead the Midshipmen throughout one of the nation’s toughest schedules.

Vogel’s strength and technical ability have made him one of the top young American rowers, and his invitation to the U23 camp comes as little surprise after another outstanding season.

Together, Vogel and Duffy have become leaders within Navy’s heavyweight program and have helped elevate the Midshipmen on the national stage.

Navy Rowing’s National Reputation Keeps Growing

Heavyweight rowing has long been one of Navy’s signature athletic programs.

Under head coach Matt Fluhr, the Midshipmen have continued to compete against many of the nation’s traditional rowing powers while producing All-Americans and national team athletes.

Having two athletes invited to the same national team selection camp highlights both the depth of Navy’s roster and the quality of coaching in Annapolis.

The program continues to build momentum as it develops athletes capable of succeeding well beyond the collegiate level.

What’s Next

Duffy and Vogel will spend the coming weeks competing against many of America’s best Under-23 rowers for coveted seats on Team USA.

The selection process will include extensive training sessions and racing evaluations before the final roster is announced.

Representing the United States at the Under-23 World Championships would be another milestone for both athletes and another proud achievement for Navy rowing.

Regardless of the final selection results, earning an invitation to the USRowing Under-23 Selection Camp is a tremendous accomplishment that reflects years of hard work, dedication and excellence. It also reinforces the reputation of Navy heavyweight rowing as one of the nation’s premier collegiate programs and gives Maryland sports fans another reason to follow the Midshipmen on the international stage.