USRowing’s High Performance Embedded Scientist Position Named For the Zagunis Family

USRowing is proud to announce a significant multi-year gift from the Zagunis Family to fund and name the newly-created position for the U.S. national teams: the Zagunis Family Embedded Scientist. This quadrennial gift of $500,000 enables USRowing to invest in a dedicated staff member to oversee data collection and performance analytics to optimize training and racing through biomechanics and physiology. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Robert Zagunis and his family for this gift, which will provide the support our national team athletes and coaches require,” said Josy Verdonkschot, USRowing’s Chief High Performance Officer. “The Zagunis Family Embedded Scientist will allow the U.S. national teams to use extensive analytics and data to develop and strengthen our athletes and help us accomplish our goals over the next four years.”

The Zagunis family knows what it takes to represent Team USA in international competition. Robert Zagunis competed in the men’s four with coxswain for the U.S. at the 1976 Olympics and was the 1983 Pan Am Games team manager. Robert’s daughter, Mariel Zagunis, represented the U.S. as a fencer at the 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 Olympics. 

"The coordination of this important position with the long-term vision of the high performance program, and the proposed technology will be clear enhancements to get the athletes to top speed. As I experienced in missing the Olympic finals in ‘76 by a bow ball, the margins are slim, and a slight improvement makes a big difference. I am, along with my family, so pleased to be a part of supporting this new position on the High Performance team."

The Zagunis Family Embedded Scientist position is designed to collect and manage all data streams regarding athlete characteristics, biomechanics, physiological testing, training, and racing. Data collection and analysis are vital to the national team and long-term athlete development at every level within the U.S. national teams. A fundamental understanding of senior national team athletes and their performance will improve their results, and the lessons and information they gain will impact the athletes aspiring to join the national team in the Pathways Program.

Candidates interested in the position can learn more here.