Staff Directory
Coaches and Boathouse Administration
Barb Calvert
Masters Coach | "Wake up and be Awesome!" has been a core value driving Barb in all that she does. Whether it's taking care of family, serving her customers all over the PNW or helping the 5AM crew push their limits, it's what gets her out of bed at ungodly hours several times a week. In 2009 Barb attended a "Try Rowing" event and was instantly hooked. Not only did she excel as a competitive rower, but she was also the beloved 5AM team captain for many years and has lately stepped into a coaching role. Barb thrives when learning and competing at a high level, and drives her passion, as a team-player, to help others achieve their goals in rowing whether it be competing against some of the toughest competition in the country, competing on the regional level, or developing a lifelong skill that will bring hours of joy. Dream it, Believe it, Achieve it.
[email protected]
Masters Coach | "Wake up and be Awesome!" has been a core value driving Barb in all that she does. Whether it's taking care of family, serving her customers all over the PNW or helping the 5AM crew push their limits, it's what gets her out of bed at ungodly hours several times a week. In 2009 Barb attended a "Try Rowing" event and was instantly hooked. Not only did she excel as a competitive rower, but she was also the beloved 5AM team captain for many years and has lately stepped into a coaching role. Barb thrives when learning and competing at a high level, and drives her passion, as a team-player, to help others achieve their goals in rowing whether it be competing against some of the toughest competition in the country, competing on the regional level, or developing a lifelong skill that will bring hours of joy. Dream it, Believe it, Achieve it.
[email protected]
Syd Colburn
Learn to Row Coordinator, Girls Coach and Masters Coach | Syd’s passion for rowing began in the spring of 2014 when they joined the SRA junior rec team as an 8th grader. Syd couldn’t stay away, and stayed in the sport through high school and college at UC San Diego, where they were team captain for 2 years and raced at NCAAs.
Syd coached in the summers through college, developing the Learn to Row program and introducing adults and teens to the sport of rowing. In 2022, Syd accepted a full time position as an assistant coach for the high school girls and the 5am novice masters. Syd's passion is watching rowers grow and develop their skills and love rowing for life.
[email protected]
Learn to Row Coordinator, Girls Coach and Masters Coach | Syd’s passion for rowing began in the spring of 2014 when they joined the SRA junior rec team as an 8th grader. Syd couldn’t stay away, and stayed in the sport through high school and college at UC San Diego, where they were team captain for 2 years and raced at NCAAs.
Syd coached in the summers through college, developing the Learn to Row program and introducing adults and teens to the sport of rowing. In 2022, Syd accepted a full time position as an assistant coach for the high school girls and the 5am novice masters. Syd's passion is watching rowers grow and develop their skills and love rowing for life.
[email protected]
Anne Corley
Registrar | Anne Corley has been SRA’s registrar since 2016, handling registration, enrollment, and customer service. Among other duties, she fields inquiries from potential new members and is determined to stay on the phone for as long as it takes to convince a caller that rowing is for them! Anne learned to row at SRA in 2008 and rowed with the mid-morning masters team for more than 10 years. She served on SRA’s board of directors and chaired the capital campaign and construction committees that brought the new boathouse to completion. Although no longer rowing, Anne stays active with hiking, biking, running, skiing, and, of course, erging.
[email protected]
Registrar | Anne Corley has been SRA’s registrar since 2016, handling registration, enrollment, and customer service. Among other duties, she fields inquiries from potential new members and is determined to stay on the phone for as long as it takes to convince a caller that rowing is for them! Anne learned to row at SRA in 2008 and rowed with the mid-morning masters team for more than 10 years. She served on SRA’s board of directors and chaired the capital campaign and construction committees that brought the new boathouse to completion. Although no longer rowing, Anne stays active with hiking, biking, running, skiing, and, of course, erging.
[email protected]
Ethan Currie
Masters Program Director, Small Boat Membership Coordinator, Head Junior Boys Coach and Masters Coach | Since moving to the PNW in 2018 to work at SRA, Ethan has coached the Junior Boys, 5AM Masters, and Mid-Morning Masters. He also serves as Masters Program Director, overseeing the vision, program planning and regatta operations for all masters teams. Prior to coming to Sammamish, Ethan has worked with all levels and ages of athletes, with coaching stints at Vesper Boat Club, Craftsbury Sculling Center, Camp Randall Rowing Club, and Mendota Rowing Club. Before coaching, he began rowing for his high school team in Concord, New Hampshire, and went on to row at Wesleyan University, earning medals at the Head of the Charles, New England Championships, and ECAC Championships.
Since first picking up an oar in 2007, Ethan has always felt that coaching would be in his future. He's excited to share his love and knowledge of the sport with hundreds of rowers every day, and hopes that he can give something back to the sport and community that's given him so much.
Outside of the boathouse, Ethan enjoys all forms of skiing and biking, lattes, tinkering on bicycles, and spending time with his dog, Juneau.
[email protected]
Masters Program Director, Small Boat Membership Coordinator, Head Junior Boys Coach and Masters Coach | Since moving to the PNW in 2018 to work at SRA, Ethan has coached the Junior Boys, 5AM Masters, and Mid-Morning Masters. He also serves as Masters Program Director, overseeing the vision, program planning and regatta operations for all masters teams. Prior to coming to Sammamish, Ethan has worked with all levels and ages of athletes, with coaching stints at Vesper Boat Club, Craftsbury Sculling Center, Camp Randall Rowing Club, and Mendota Rowing Club. Before coaching, he began rowing for his high school team in Concord, New Hampshire, and went on to row at Wesleyan University, earning medals at the Head of the Charles, New England Championships, and ECAC Championships.
Since first picking up an oar in 2007, Ethan has always felt that coaching would be in his future. He's excited to share his love and knowledge of the sport with hundreds of rowers every day, and hopes that he can give something back to the sport and community that's given him so much.
Outside of the boathouse, Ethan enjoys all forms of skiing and biking, lattes, tinkering on bicycles, and spending time with his dog, Juneau.
[email protected]
Eliza Dickson
Junior Program Director, Juniors and Masters Coach | Liza came to SRA in 2017 following four years with Oklahoma City University where the team saw best-ever finishes at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Regatta (SIRA) and Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA). Prior to Oklahoma, Dickson led Sarasota Crew to multiple state and regional championships as the varsity boy's coach. Sarasota saw explosive growth and success under Liza's direction - from 2010 to 2013, the Sarasota Varsity 8+ placed 9th, 4th, 2nd, and 1st at the Youth National Championships.
Dickson's background also includes High Performance and Development coaching at the Oklahoma City National High-Performance Center. In 2015, she represented Team USA as the Women's Coach for the US Team at the World University Games in South Korea. Liza is a US Rowing Level 3 certified rowing coach and is pursuing a Masters Degree in Applied Sports Psychology.
[email protected]
Junior Program Director, Juniors and Masters Coach | Liza came to SRA in 2017 following four years with Oklahoma City University where the team saw best-ever finishes at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Regatta (SIRA) and Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA). Prior to Oklahoma, Dickson led Sarasota Crew to multiple state and regional championships as the varsity boy's coach. Sarasota saw explosive growth and success under Liza's direction - from 2010 to 2013, the Sarasota Varsity 8+ placed 9th, 4th, 2nd, and 1st at the Youth National Championships.
Dickson's background also includes High Performance and Development coaching at the Oklahoma City National High-Performance Center. In 2015, she represented Team USA as the Women's Coach for the US Team at the World University Games in South Korea. Liza is a US Rowing Level 3 certified rowing coach and is pursuing a Masters Degree in Applied Sports Psychology.
[email protected]
Frances Guetlich
Masters and Juniors Coach | Frances discovered their love for rowing in the summer of 2012 at SRA. They continued rowing throughout high school and into college. Competing at Club Nationals in 2015 with Seattle Area Rowing, placed 1st at NW Regional Championships in the Junior Varsity 8+ in 2016, and was stroke seat of the Varsity 8+ their first year in college.
Following their competitive rowing career, they worked in research for the State of Washington, but ultimately returned to SRA in 2024 with an eagerness to give back to a sport and community they love so much. “Rowing is such a unique sport. It has taught me selflessness in leadership, poised discipline, and a love for movement!”.
Frances is assistant coach for the Mid Morning Masters, Evening Competitive Masters, and the Juniors High School program.
[email protected]
Masters and Juniors Coach | Frances discovered their love for rowing in the summer of 2012 at SRA. They continued rowing throughout high school and into college. Competing at Club Nationals in 2015 with Seattle Area Rowing, placed 1st at NW Regional Championships in the Junior Varsity 8+ in 2016, and was stroke seat of the Varsity 8+ their first year in college.
Following their competitive rowing career, they worked in research for the State of Washington, but ultimately returned to SRA in 2024 with an eagerness to give back to a sport and community they love so much. “Rowing is such a unique sport. It has taught me selflessness in leadership, poised discipline, and a love for movement!”.
Frances is assistant coach for the Mid Morning Masters, Evening Competitive Masters, and the Juniors High School program.
[email protected]
Lee Henderson
Evening Masters Coach | While attending the Ohio State University, Lee joined the crew team. After graduating, he took a position with the Ohio State University women’s novice team introducing walk-on athletes to the sport of rowing. In 2006 Lee joined Sammamish Rowing Association as the head coach of the Weekend/Evening Masters Recreational team. After coaching the team for a couple years Lee stepped away to complete his masters at Bastyr University. In 2009 Lee returned to SRA as a Learn to Row coach. From there, he and James Conlu started to build an evening competitive team, known today as the Evening Masters Competitive team (ECM). The team has gone on to compete and win medals at the Head of the Charles, Masters Nationals and Worlds.
[email protected]
Evening Masters Coach | While attending the Ohio State University, Lee joined the crew team. After graduating, he took a position with the Ohio State University women’s novice team introducing walk-on athletes to the sport of rowing. In 2006 Lee joined Sammamish Rowing Association as the head coach of the Weekend/Evening Masters Recreational team. After coaching the team for a couple years Lee stepped away to complete his masters at Bastyr University. In 2009 Lee returned to SRA as a Learn to Row coach. From there, he and James Conlu started to build an evening competitive team, known today as the Evening Masters Competitive team (ECM). The team has gone on to compete and win medals at the Head of the Charles, Masters Nationals and Worlds.
[email protected]
Lana Hoffman
Evening Masters and Assistant Novice Girls Coach | Lana began her rowing journey in 2015 right here at SRA through SRA’s Learn to Row program. She rowed with the Evening Competitive Masters team as a competitive rower for over six years before shifting her focus to coaching in 2021. She currently serves as an assistant coach on the junior girls team coaching novice girls and as the novice coach for the Evening Competitive Masters team. “I learned to row as an adult and fell in love with the sport immediately. I truly enjoy sharing my love for rowing through coaching and introducing new athletes to a sport unlike any other.”
[email protected]
Evening Masters and Assistant Novice Girls Coach | Lana began her rowing journey in 2015 right here at SRA through SRA’s Learn to Row program. She rowed with the Evening Competitive Masters team as a competitive rower for over six years before shifting her focus to coaching in 2021. She currently serves as an assistant coach on the junior girls team coaching novice girls and as the novice coach for the Evening Competitive Masters team. “I learned to row as an adult and fell in love with the sport immediately. I truly enjoy sharing my love for rowing through coaching and introducing new athletes to a sport unlike any other.”
[email protected]
Maddy Holzman-Kilma
Junior Assistant Coach | Maddy started rowing in 2012 at Holy Names Academy in Seattle, where she rowed all 4 years of high school. A highlight of her high school rowing career was placing third in the Varsity 8+ at Youth Nationals in 2015. After graduating high school in 2016, she rowed at Syracuse University for 5 years; Maddy gained an extra year of eligibility due to covid in 2020. Some highlights of her collegiate rowing career include winning in the second varsity 8+ at ACC’s in 2017, being team co-captain her senior year and securing Syracuse’s best team finish at NCAA’s during her fifth year in 2021 with 10th place. After university, Maddy came back to Seattle and started coaching at Holy Names for 4 years. Most recently, she started coaching the junior girls at SRA in August of 2025.
[email protected]
Junior Assistant Coach | Maddy started rowing in 2012 at Holy Names Academy in Seattle, where she rowed all 4 years of high school. A highlight of her high school rowing career was placing third in the Varsity 8+ at Youth Nationals in 2015. After graduating high school in 2016, she rowed at Syracuse University for 5 years; Maddy gained an extra year of eligibility due to covid in 2020. Some highlights of her collegiate rowing career include winning in the second varsity 8+ at ACC’s in 2017, being team co-captain her senior year and securing Syracuse’s best team finish at NCAA’s during her fifth year in 2021 with 10th place. After university, Maddy came back to Seattle and started coaching at Holy Names for 4 years. Most recently, she started coaching the junior girls at SRA in August of 2025.
[email protected]
Elizabeth Larson
Director of Marketing | Elizabeth began her rowing experience in high school where she rowed for the Women's 2V 8+ her senior year at Winter Park Crew. In 2018, Elizabeth joined SRA as a 5am masters coach, novice boys coach, and Director of Marketing. Elizabeth now works as SRA's part time Director of Marketing. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys anything outdoors including hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, golfing, skiing, mountain biking, and road biking.
[email protected]
Director of Marketing | Elizabeth began her rowing experience in high school where she rowed for the Women's 2V 8+ her senior year at Winter Park Crew. In 2018, Elizabeth joined SRA as a 5am masters coach, novice boys coach, and Director of Marketing. Elizabeth now works as SRA's part time Director of Marketing. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys anything outdoors including hiking, kayaking, fly fishing, golfing, skiing, mountain biking, and road biking.
[email protected]
JD Laurence-Chasen
Boys Coach | J.D. began rowing at SRA in 2007 on the junior team and immediately fell in love with the sport and the SRA community. Highlights of his time as a junior include earning medals at the Youth National Championship and the Head of the Charles, as well as serving as the junior team captain. After graduating high school in 2013, J.D. went on to row at Brown University, where he stroked the Freshman 8+ to gold at the Eastern Sprints Championship and bronze at the IRA National Championship.
After seven years in Chicago, J.D. is thrilled to return to the PNW and coach the junior team. This "full-circle" moment is deeply meaningful to him, and he's honored to help develop the next generation of Sammamish rowers. Off the water, you can find J.D. cycling, playing piano, or exploring the many nearby mountains.
[email protected]
Boys Coach | J.D. began rowing at SRA in 2007 on the junior team and immediately fell in love with the sport and the SRA community. Highlights of his time as a junior include earning medals at the Youth National Championship and the Head of the Charles, as well as serving as the junior team captain. After graduating high school in 2013, J.D. went on to row at Brown University, where he stroked the Freshman 8+ to gold at the Eastern Sprints Championship and bronze at the IRA National Championship.
After seven years in Chicago, J.D. is thrilled to return to the PNW and coach the junior team. This "full-circle" moment is deeply meaningful to him, and he's honored to help develop the next generation of Sammamish rowers. Off the water, you can find J.D. cycling, playing piano, or exploring the many nearby mountains.
[email protected]
Sarah Low
Executive Director | Sarah Low joined SRA in December 2023, bringing over 15 years of coaching and administrative experience to the program. Previously, Sarah was the Executive Director and Women’s Head Coach for the Atlanta Junior Rowing Association. During her seven years at the helm of Atlanta Juniors, the club sent 33 boats to the USRowing Youth National Championships, consistently qualified men’s and women’s boats for the Head of the Charles, and remains one of the top rowing programs in the Southeast. Sarah also has worked with several summer rowing development camps, including Penn AC Gold in Philadelphia, the USRowing Under-19 Women's National Team, and the USRowing Olympic Development Program. Sarah is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Washington, and earned her USRowing Level III certification in 2019.
[email protected]
Executive Director | Sarah Low joined SRA in December 2023, bringing over 15 years of coaching and administrative experience to the program. Previously, Sarah was the Executive Director and Women’s Head Coach for the Atlanta Junior Rowing Association. During her seven years at the helm of Atlanta Juniors, the club sent 33 boats to the USRowing Youth National Championships, consistently qualified men’s and women’s boats for the Head of the Charles, and remains one of the top rowing programs in the Southeast. Sarah also has worked with several summer rowing development camps, including Penn AC Gold in Philadelphia, the USRowing Under-19 Women's National Team, and the USRowing Olympic Development Program. Sarah is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Washington, and earned her USRowing Level III certification in 2019.
[email protected]
Matt Lundberg
Director of Ergs, Launches, and Cox Boxes and Masters Coach | Matt started rowing in middle school in 2002 and rowed into his sophomore year at Florida State University in 2009, when he started assistant coaching at his high school alma mater. After finishing graduate school in 2014 he also was an assistant coach with the FSU team. In 2016 Matt began coaching at SRA as novice masters' coach for the Mid-Morning team. Now Matt is the Mid-Morning head coach and keeps launches launching and the trailers trailering.
[email protected]
Director of Ergs, Launches, and Cox Boxes and Masters Coach | Matt started rowing in middle school in 2002 and rowed into his sophomore year at Florida State University in 2009, when he started assistant coaching at his high school alma mater. After finishing graduate school in 2014 he also was an assistant coach with the FSU team. In 2016 Matt began coaching at SRA as novice masters' coach for the Mid-Morning team. Now Matt is the Mid-Morning head coach and keeps launches launching and the trailers trailering.
[email protected]
Yulia Poltorak
Bookkeeper | Yulia joined SRA in 2016 as a 5AM rower and quickly realized she had found her sport. Loyalty to her teammates is what sets her apart from the pack. She is dedicated to what she loves and that includes family, her 5AM team and the larger SRA family. Her teammates determined that the Meerkat was her spirit animal as she is always above ground looking for the next adventure with a light and happy attitude - always ready with a giggle and a smile. In 2020 she has taken on the role of SRA Bookkeeper and is dedicated to making sure the books are in order and everything is accounted for. She is also the 5AM team historian capturing glorious sunrise pictures and those unique rowing moments that hold us all in awe.
[email protected]
Bookkeeper | Yulia joined SRA in 2016 as a 5AM rower and quickly realized she had found her sport. Loyalty to her teammates is what sets her apart from the pack. She is dedicated to what she loves and that includes family, her 5AM team and the larger SRA family. Her teammates determined that the Meerkat was her spirit animal as she is always above ground looking for the next adventure with a light and happy attitude - always ready with a giggle and a smile. In 2020 she has taken on the role of SRA Bookkeeper and is dedicated to making sure the books are in order and everything is accounted for. She is also the 5AM team historian capturing glorious sunrise pictures and those unique rowing moments that hold us all in awe.
[email protected]
Stephen Pryor
Masters Coach | With nearly 20 years of experience in rowing, coxing, and coaching, Stephen is thrilled to be a part of the SRA team and share his passion for the sport. Starting as a coxswain at the Orlando Area Rowing Society in 2001, he quickly transitioned to coaching after high school, working with college, youth, and masters rowers across Central Florida. In 2015, Stephen co-founded Live2Row Studios, where he has coached rowers of all levels in classes and training camps. His extensive experience with coaching rowers on the erg enables him to make immediate, impactful adjustments to rowing technique, enhancing both power and efficiency on the water. Stephen looks forward to inspiring athletes at SRA through thoughtful coaching and a genuine love for the sport. He is dedicated to helping rowers build confidence, enhance performance, and achieve their goals.
[email protected]
Masters Coach | With nearly 20 years of experience in rowing, coxing, and coaching, Stephen is thrilled to be a part of the SRA team and share his passion for the sport. Starting as a coxswain at the Orlando Area Rowing Society in 2001, he quickly transitioned to coaching after high school, working with college, youth, and masters rowers across Central Florida. In 2015, Stephen co-founded Live2Row Studios, where he has coached rowers of all levels in classes and training camps. His extensive experience with coaching rowers on the erg enables him to make immediate, impactful adjustments to rowing technique, enhancing both power and efficiency on the water. Stephen looks forward to inspiring athletes at SRA through thoughtful coaching and a genuine love for the sport. He is dedicated to helping rowers build confidence, enhance performance, and achieve their goals.
[email protected]
Anita Sarrett
Junior Assistant Coach | Anita has over two decades of experience across junior, collegiate, and masters programs as a coxswain and coach at programs including Cal Berkeley, Marin Rowing, Oakland Strokes, and Holy Names Academy. As a coach, she has led athletes to multiple USRowing Youth National Championship medals, including gold medals in 2016 and 2017. As a coxswain mentor, she has developed comprehensive training curricula that have helped coxswains succeed on the junior, collegiate, and national team levels. Her career reflects a deep commitment to athlete development, positive team culture, and competitive excellence at every level of the sport.
Off the water, Anita is a freelance brand designer and enjoys playing golf, reading, and is obsessed with her beagle, Scout.
[email protected]
Junior Assistant Coach | Anita has over two decades of experience across junior, collegiate, and masters programs as a coxswain and coach at programs including Cal Berkeley, Marin Rowing, Oakland Strokes, and Holy Names Academy. As a coach, she has led athletes to multiple USRowing Youth National Championship medals, including gold medals in 2016 and 2017. As a coxswain mentor, she has developed comprehensive training curricula that have helped coxswains succeed on the junior, collegiate, and national team levels. Her career reflects a deep commitment to athlete development, positive team culture, and competitive excellence at every level of the sport.
Off the water, Anita is a freelance brand designer and enjoys playing golf, reading, and is obsessed with her beagle, Scout.
[email protected]
Kenzie Waltar
Private Lessons Coach | Kenzie learned to row at Sammamish as a junior and continued her career at the University of Washington (Class of 2018). At UW she won gold in the double sculls at Head of the Charles, competed internationally at Henley Royal Regatta, became a 2x PAC-12 Champion, earned multiple scholar-athlete awards from both the PAC-12 and from the CRCA, and was on the team for the 2017 NCAA sweep and the 2018 NCAA runner-up finish. Since her time rowing for Washington, Kenzie has continued her involvement in the sport by coaching. In her fifth year of coaching, her drive remains the same: "Rowing changed my life and I love that I can bring that same joy to others!" Kenzie loves to bring the hype at practice--yes, even on those early mornings.
kenzie[email protected]
Private Lessons Coach | Kenzie learned to row at Sammamish as a junior and continued her career at the University of Washington (Class of 2018). At UW she won gold in the double sculls at Head of the Charles, competed internationally at Henley Royal Regatta, became a 2x PAC-12 Champion, earned multiple scholar-athlete awards from both the PAC-12 and from the CRCA, and was on the team for the 2017 NCAA sweep and the 2018 NCAA runner-up finish. Since her time rowing for Washington, Kenzie has continued her involvement in the sport by coaching. In her fifth year of coaching, her drive remains the same: "Rowing changed my life and I love that I can bring that same joy to others!" Kenzie loves to bring the hype at practice--yes, even on those early mornings.
kenzie[email protected]
Sierra Williams
Junior Girls Head Coach and Director of Membership| Sierra began rowing in 2012 at Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center. After graduating high school in 2018, Sierra continued rowing at the University of Washington, earning spots on the 2019 Pac-12 and NCAA championship women’s team.
After completing her Bachelor’s in Geography and Urban Planning, she began coaching for Seattle Preparatory School in the fall of 2022 and was with the program through fall of 2024. In her first 2 years, with Seattle Prep the program sent 15 boats to the Youth National Championships, making program history in the spring of 2024 by sending 9 boats.
Sierra is also the Junior Girl’s Head Coach for Penn AC Gold, Philadelphia's high-performance summer racing camp. Outside of coaching and rowing recreationally, Sierra enjoys skiing around the PNW and hanging out with her cat, Gustav.
[email protected]
Junior Girls Head Coach and Director of Membership| Sierra began rowing in 2012 at Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center. After graduating high school in 2018, Sierra continued rowing at the University of Washington, earning spots on the 2019 Pac-12 and NCAA championship women’s team.
After completing her Bachelor’s in Geography and Urban Planning, she began coaching for Seattle Preparatory School in the fall of 2022 and was with the program through fall of 2024. In her first 2 years, with Seattle Prep the program sent 15 boats to the Youth National Championships, making program history in the spring of 2024 by sending 9 boats.
Sierra is also the Junior Girl’s Head Coach for Penn AC Gold, Philadelphia's high-performance summer racing camp. Outside of coaching and rowing recreationally, Sierra enjoys skiing around the PNW and hanging out with her cat, Gustav.
[email protected]
Simon Williams
Director of Equipment and Facilities and Private Lessons Coach| Simon is a unique blend of expertise in rowing and architecture.
He began his rowing career at Shawnigan Lake School in BC Canada and went on to represent Canada at the Junior Worlds in the 2+ and 1x events. He went on to compete as an Elite sculler, medaled at US Nationals, and had top 5 finishes at the Head of the Charles. Later, as a Master rower, he medaled at NW Regionals, Canadian and US Masters Championships, and won the C1x Head of the Lake.
Simon's coaching experience includes Women's Coach and Head Coach at Yorktown HS in Arlington VA, and as a Sculling Coach at Potomac Boat Club. These roles gave him the passionate calling he has for the sport.
From 2010 to 2022, Simon was the head coach of the Novice boys at SRA where teach life lessons, how to row, compete, and care for the equipment leading them to a successful season. During this time, he collaborated with YO!ROW to introduce yoga into the team's training regimen, which was often referred to as the "secret sauce" to their success. While he has stepped back from coaching teams, he is currently the “boat-whisperer” for private lessons.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Simon made significant contributions to the transformation of the facilities. A semi-retired architect turned Director of Facilities and Equipment at SRA, Simon is instrumental in the design, construction and maintenance of the new Boat House and modernizing the fleet. You can find his finger prints all over. His vision for SRA is a community of rowers enjoying their passion in a park-like setting with the state-of the art equipment. His motto is a place for everything, and everything in its place.
You can typically find Simon at the boathouse doing what he does, or enjoying his 1x out on beautiful Lake Sammamish.
[email protected]
Director of Equipment and Facilities and Private Lessons Coach| Simon is a unique blend of expertise in rowing and architecture.
He began his rowing career at Shawnigan Lake School in BC Canada and went on to represent Canada at the Junior Worlds in the 2+ and 1x events. He went on to compete as an Elite sculler, medaled at US Nationals, and had top 5 finishes at the Head of the Charles. Later, as a Master rower, he medaled at NW Regionals, Canadian and US Masters Championships, and won the C1x Head of the Lake.
Simon's coaching experience includes Women's Coach and Head Coach at Yorktown HS in Arlington VA, and as a Sculling Coach at Potomac Boat Club. These roles gave him the passionate calling he has for the sport.
From 2010 to 2022, Simon was the head coach of the Novice boys at SRA where teach life lessons, how to row, compete, and care for the equipment leading them to a successful season. During this time, he collaborated with YO!ROW to introduce yoga into the team's training regimen, which was often referred to as the "secret sauce" to their success. While he has stepped back from coaching teams, he is currently the “boat-whisperer” for private lessons.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Simon made significant contributions to the transformation of the facilities. A semi-retired architect turned Director of Facilities and Equipment at SRA, Simon is instrumental in the design, construction and maintenance of the new Boat House and modernizing the fleet. You can find his finger prints all over. His vision for SRA is a community of rowers enjoying their passion in a park-like setting with the state-of the art equipment. His motto is a place for everything, and everything in its place.
You can typically find Simon at the boathouse doing what he does, or enjoying his 1x out on beautiful Lake Sammamish.
[email protected]
Tom Woodman
Masters Coach | Tom rowed at Oregon State University and then on the 1978-1981 US National Teams. Some of his rowing highlights include racing in the 1980 Olympic eight (second fastest in the world behind the doping East Germans), winning the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley, and winning a silver medal at the 1981 World Championships in a 4+. In 1981 he was the head men’s coach at OSU. After taking a break from rowing, he returned in 2007, taking the position as a head coach of a small 5am Masters group at SRA. The group has grown in size and enjoyed an unrivaled success at major regattas over the past 15+ years. Tom has structured the program with a focus on maximizing water time and making the fastest boats possible. Selection is based on a variety of criteria but paramount is seat racing. Typically boats training for the priority regattas will train together for at least the month leading up to the race.
[email protected]
Masters Coach | Tom rowed at Oregon State University and then on the 1978-1981 US National Teams. Some of his rowing highlights include racing in the 1980 Olympic eight (second fastest in the world behind the doping East Germans), winning the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley, and winning a silver medal at the 1981 World Championships in a 4+. In 1981 he was the head men’s coach at OSU. After taking a break from rowing, he returned in 2007, taking the position as a head coach of a small 5am Masters group at SRA. The group has grown in size and enjoyed an unrivaled success at major regattas over the past 15+ years. Tom has structured the program with a focus on maximizing water time and making the fastest boats possible. Selection is based on a variety of criteria but paramount is seat racing. Typically boats training for the priority regattas will train together for at least the month leading up to the race.
[email protected]
