Both Stanford and UNC announced the addition of national team rowers to their respective coaching staffs. U.S. national teamer Sophia Luwis joined the Stanford lightweight women’s rowing coaching staff while Canadian Kristen Siermachesky was named an assistant coach for the University of North Carolina women.
The Tar Heels announced the addition of Siermachesky to their staff upon her return from the Paris Olympics where she was as an alternate for the silver medal-winning Canadian eight. She began her rowing career as a graduate student at UNC after playing four years of collegiate ice hockey and serving as team captain at Syracuse. Head coach Erin Neppel said of Siermachesky, “She will bring these experiences with her to the team and will be an invaluable resource to these athletes who are striving to be champions. We feel like we have an unbelievable staff here, and having Kristen onboard really completes the circle.” Siermachesky joins two-time NCAA champion Payten Kooyers who was added to the staff in July. Neppel, a Tarheel alum, signed a three-year contract extension this summer as she enters her fourth season a the helm of the UNC program.
Luwis, a graduate of William & Mary, won a bronze medal in the lightweight women’s single at the 2023 World Rowing Championships before being named an alternate for the lightweight squad at this summer’s Paris Olympics. Associate head coach Lizzy Houston said of the addition to her staff, “We are thrilled to welcome Sophia to the Farm! Her experience, great attitude, and love for the sport are undeniable, and I have no doubt that she will make a significant impact on the lightweight team.”
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