In memory of: Austin Regier ’20

Former Washington rower and IRA champion Austin Regier ’20 has passed away, his family has shared.

Regier, who won a national championship in the four in the final collegiate race of his career in 2021, was the victim of a freediving accident in the Philippines.

“Austin had a special spirit that he brought to life,” said the UW men’s rowing director Michael Callahan. “He always jumped into his communities with both feet and left a positive impact on everyone who had the honor of spending time with him. He had an infectious, positive attitude and was wise for being so young. He was a man of the highest character, conviction and irrepressible joy He had a passion adventure, competition and companionship.

“Austin was a Washington rower to his core,” Callahan continued. “His heart for loving people and his faith were evident every day and to all who knew him.”


A true walk-on who learned to row at UW, Regier grew up with a family that served on Mercy Ships in Africa. He graduated from Mount Rainier High, south of Seattle, before enrolling at Washington, where he joined the rowing team.


A two-time IRA All-Academic honoree, Regier worked his way up the ranks, and after the pandemic canceled his upcoming senior season in 2020, he returned for a fifth year in 2021, earning both a Pac-12 and IRA title in the four.


After earning her degree in industrial and systems engineering, Regier and Husky teammate Madison Molitor ’19 changed course to another maritime sportjoins NYYC American Magic team and compete in the 2024 America’s Cup yacht race.