Born and raised on Vashon Island, WA, Jacob Plihal learned to row in 2012 after a knee injury prompted him to give up his basketball dreams. He climbed the ladder to Northeastern University team captain, the U23 National team, and was named to the 2024 U.S. Olympic team in the men’s single. At 6’10”, Jacob has a clear view of the world’s biggest rowing and athletic achievement: Paris 2024.

Concept2’s Dick Dreissigacker and Craftsbury’s Will Ruth help us consider heel height, seat pads, horizontal drive, and finding comfort on the erg.

As the Director of Sports Nutrition for USRowing, and in her own private practice, Liz Fusco helps athletes establish healthy relationships with food and improve energy levels by making evidence-based nutrition strategies approachable.

DR. Susannah Cass is an environmental scientist interested in plants and other wildlife whose love of “messing about in boats” has brought her on adventures crossing seas and oceans. Susannah learned to row at university and hasn't looked back, and is now looking for new ways to link her love of boats and biodiversity.