Photo by Justin Lafleur

A native of Norwich, Vermont and graduate of Hanover High School, Bender joins fellow Big Green alum Oliver Bub '20, who was named to the men's eight. Bender and Bub both took part in the initial senior team camp, then after the eight was chosen, Bender turned his attention to senior trials in the pair.

Bender and Olson posted the top time in Thursday's time trial of 6:23.43 before finishing first in the final on Saturday (6:32.02). This isn't the first time Bender will represent the Red, White and Blue as he raced at the 2021 World Rowing Under 23 Championships.

"The race was good. We did a really good job of executing our race plan," said Bender to USRowing. "I'm obviously really excited about making the team. It became clear to me this summer that it's a totally different level than college or U23, and I'm stoked to get a chance to compete with, and against, all of these really talented guys."

Bender is a two-time first team All-American rower. He was a key member of the Varsity Eight this past season, including in the stroke seat at the IRA National Championship.