First-Ever Conference for Women Rowing Coaches

“There is a real need among female rowing coaches for community and professional development,” said Madeline Davis Tully, founder of the event and former coach of women’s rowing at Stanford University, The Ohio State University, and Boston University.

“This conference is a very real, very practical way to get and keep women in coaching, making the sport better for everyone.”

The purpose of the WCC is to educate, connect, and inspire emerging and established coaches from every level of the sport – collegiate, junior, masters, and club—and to create a profession that is better-equipped, more inclusive, and more sustainable.

Last summer, 11 female head coaches left their positions in Division I rowing, and nearly half those positions were filled by men. Today, less than a third of college head rowing coaches are women.

“It’s clear that the time is now for a conference like this,” Davis Tully said.

Coaches are traveling from as far as California and Florida to learn from expert speakers about such topics as leadership, bravery, and advocating for yourself and your team. 

The presenters and their topics include:

Holly Austin
Head Coach and Founder, Ready Set Row
Leading with Authenticity and Building Connection: The Brave Rowing Coach

Dr. Sharon Beverly, Ph.D.
Founder and President, Beverly and Associates
Mastering the Process to Land Your Next Job

Liz Dennison
Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Positioning Your Program for Success: How to Effectively Advocate for Yourself and Your Team

Miranda Paris Holder, PCC
Founder and Principal Coach, Holder Leadership
The Inner Game of Leadership

Crista Samaras
CEO and Founder, Brave Enterprises
Bravery

Thirteen coaches will attend the conference without charge through generous scholarships from Concept2, Head of the Hooch Regatta, Shimano, and USRowing. Other conference sponsors are the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association, Concept2, Hydrow, Ready Set Row, and Rowing News.

The conference will take place at Hydrow corporate headquarters, 10 Summer St., Fifth Floor, in the Downtown Crossing retail and pedestrian area of Boston. Childcare is available on site for conference attendees.

The Women’s Coaching Conference will return to Boston next year, and a similar event is planned for the West Coast as well as a conference for both male and female coaches at a location yet to be determined.

For more information, visit the WCC website at https://wccconference.com and on Instagram @wccconference.