College basketball and rowing gave Anita DeFrantz opportunities she never had, and her competitive spirit fueled her career.

As a trainer on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” Jen Widerstrom’s work involves supporting and pushing contestants to achieve their goals. Now in her second season with the program that is part weight-loss competition, part reality television show, Widerstrom – a former hammer thrower on the University of Kansas track and field team – thinks of her job as a way of sharing the story of the human condition.

Anna Kottkamp would prefer not to be labeled a perfect example of a student-athlete, even if she is the first from the University of Notre Dame to be named valedictorian of a graduating class. But her successes are certainly an example to uphold. Kottkamp walked on to the rowing team as a freshman with no experience, yet finished with a full scholarship.

The Barry Buccaneers made winning a national title their 2015 goal and went on to enjoy sweeping success in NCAA Division II. Having two former Olympians on the coaching staff helped boost the Bucs.

Bates was able to win their first national title after repeatedly finishing second behind Williams.

Ohio State becomes the first university in NCAA rowing history to win three national titles in a row.