Lizabeth McKinney, Meghan Martin, and Lynna Paradiso will join the Canisius College as junior transfers from the University of Central Florida in the fall, as announced by head coach Joel Furtek. With the addition of McKinney, Martin, and Paradiso, the Golden Griffins have signed a total of seven student-athletes who will join the team beginning next season in 2012-13.

The three new Griffs are familiar with coach Furtek's style, rowing for him when he served as the novice coach at UCF. Under the direction of Furtek, Martin & McKinney placed third at the Conference USA Championships in 2011. Upon joining the rowing team at UCF, McKinney was a true novice. Martin brought considerable high school experience with Space Coast Crew, based out of Brevard County in Florida.  In 2010, Furtek's novice eight including Paradiso placed second in the petite final -- and first among Conference USA crews -- at the NCAA South-Central Regionals

"Liz, Meg, and Lynna will bring great things with them to our team and our campus," said Furtek "In our years together at Central Florida, I watched them all come into their own as competitive, supportive, and inclusive team members. Each embodies what we hope all of our women to be."

During their novice years at Central Florida, McKinney, Martin, and Lynna raced in the first novice eight against top squads from across the country, including Virginia, Ohio State, Stanford, Tennessee, Alabama, California, and others.

"These young women have all raced against the top speed from the ACC, SEC, Big 10 and Pac 10; against women who have gone on to medal at and win the NCAAs," stated Furtek. "Their experience will be a huge asset to our young team."

Hailing from Arizona, Florida, and Maryland, the three former Knights decided to join the Canisius rowing family because of what Buffalo and the College has to offer.

"Once they visited, they could instantly see the strong bonds developing on our team, the fantastic educational opportunity at Canisius College, and the quality of life that Buffalo can provide," said Furtek. "We can't wait to welcome them back."