Dr. Mary O’Connor was a member of the influential 1976 Yale women’s rowing program that sparked big changes following the passage of Title IX. Today, she’s a member of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports – an advocacy group “seeking to elevate and empower female athletes by protecting safety, fairness, and opportunity for girls and women.”

San Diego Crew Classic is celebrating its 50th anniversary! Executive Director Bobbie Smith, Associate Director Megan Kalmoe, OLY, and Head Beach Master Lex Switzer share personal stories of their first time down the course, and talk about this historic regatta that kicks of the Spring season.

Growing up the daughter of immigrant parents, Donna Pili didn't have time for sports. She watched the '84 Olympics rowing on TV but it wasn’t until nearly 30 years later, in an effort to retake control of her life, that she learned to row. Since then, Donna’s found community at ZLAC and San Diego Rowing Club, and has traveled the world as a member of Endeavor Racing Alliance. 

A former D1 volleyball player with an M.S. in Sports Administration, Jess Jackson joined USRowing in 2022 as a DEI associate. She hasn’t learned to row (yet), but swears by Orange Theory workouts which incorporate indoor rowing. She’s honest about her first impressions of rowing as exclusive and white, proud of the steps USRowing is taking around diversity and equity, and hopeful that today’s juniors are leading the way in inspiring change for the future of rowing.

Go behind one of the biggest names in boats to talk with Brent Keuch, marketing director for King Racing. He fell in love with rowing when he was just 13 and looking for direction in his life. Rowing helped get him his first job, and introduced him to the woman who would become his wife. Today, Brent’s personal and professional philosophy is all about getting more people in boats, and sharing life lessons learned from rowing.

Like many women who grew up before Title IX, Kathy Frederick spent her young life studying ballet. When, at 42, she learned to row it felt like dancing with partners and she was immediately hooked. Just a few years later in 1993, the loss of a dear friend prompted Kathy to host a fundraising event on the Willamette River. From those modest beginnings Row for the Cure was born.

A wide-ranging chat with EBRC President Denise Martini, DEI Committee co-chair Carla Jourdan, and Erin Cafaro, new Head Coach of Oakland Tech Men’s Varsity program. We dive into: Growing a rowing club to meet the needs of – and look like – the community; moving beyond standard certs for coaching education; and boycotting USRowing Masters Nationals and hosting Boats Without Barriers regatta as an alternative.

This wide-ranging conversation with Coach Tom Rooks is funny and philosophical. Learn about creating positive team culture, mentoring new coaches, the importance of vulnerability, handling anxiety, preparing for emergencies, and hear how the 2k erg test has become Tom’s measuring stick for all life’s challenges.

Zoe Vais is the George Pocock Rowing Center’s Middle School Programs Specialist. She’s also a coach for GPRF’s Camp Lucy – a free learn-to-row camp for girls, inclusive of non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming youth. From being a walk-on at the University of Washington, to leaving a mark on Seattle rowing, Zoe offers a thoughtful look at slowly falling in love with the sport and the important role coaches play in young rowers’ lives.