The Temple University Women's Crew Team was still a newer collegiate team in 1996 having only had its first season in 1988. In 1994 the Women's Varsity 8 boat won its first Dad Vail Regatta gold. However, the following year the boat missed the gold medal. So, by the time the 1996 season arrived the team was ready to prove their place again.
"I think we were all on the same page with the hard work ethic, physical strength, and definitely mental strength too and I think that was pretty much really what got us to the championship to win Dad Vails that year," Michelle Buszaw, who rowed from the seven seat, said.