Going for G.O.L.D. - USRowing's Strategic Path to LA28

• USRowing is prioritizing value for members through safer regattas, improved communications, and world-class athlete support, aiming for excellence at LA 2028 and beyond. 
• The organization will spur growth through inclusion efforts, coastal and indoor rowing expansion, and storytelling that redefines rowing as both inspiring and accessible to new audiences. 
• USRowing is investing in operational efficiency, staff development, and financial transparency to ensure long-term sustainability and support for its mission. 

As the countdown to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles begins, USRowing is charting a bold and unified course forward. With the next four years set to shape the future of our sport in the U.S., we are proud to introduce four strategic pillars that will guide our efforts, from community boathouses to the world championship podium. These pillars represent our commitment to inclusivity, excellence, and sustainability across all facets of rowing. Together, we are all in for LA 2028 and going for G.O.L.D. 

Growth of the Sport 

We are committed to growing the sport of rowing by expanding our community. We believe in our inclusion initiatives that seek to make rowing more welcoming, accessible, and affordable to rowers , as well as embracing coastal and indoor rowing as key growth areas. We will faithfully share our story of growth with both existing and new constituencies to ignite excitement about our path forward.  

Organizational Health 

Strong infrastructure and a firm financial foundation will support the future of USRowing and the sport. We are focused on making our operations more efficient and effective, increasing giving, transparent financial management, and building strategic reserves that enable us to make long-term investments that benefit our members and the sport.

 This bedrock will allow our organization to better steward rowing and underpin our efforts around the other three pillars: Growth of the Sport, Lasting and Well-Defined Member Value, and Drive for Excellence on the World Stage.  

Lasting and Well-Defined Membership Value 

We will enhance the experience of our members by celebrating the sport, hosting exceptional regattas, improving the membership journey, and providing opportunities for growth and engagement for coaches, referees, club leaders, rowers, and volunteers. We will foster a culture of safety through ongoing education, coaching excellence, clear protocols, and robust accountability measures. Clear communication and a deeper investment in stakeholder engagement, as facilitated through Voices in Rowing, will be key priorities.  

Drive for Excellence on the World Stage 

Our goal is to win medals at the World Championships, the Olympics, and the Paralympics, while providing comprehensive support for our athletes both on and off the water. Using the strategic 2025-2028 High Performance Plan as a framework for success, our forward-looking vision emphasizes identifying the most talented athletes through active scouting, retaining them by offering a clear pathway with dual career opportunities, and supporting their transition to life beyond sports.  

We will celebrate our team, boats, and athletes by amplifying their stories, inspiring our community to support our National Team as we go all in on LA 2028. 

These four pillars—Growth of the Sport, Organizational Health, Lasting and Well-Defined Membership Value, and Drive for Excellence on the World Stage—reflect a comprehensive vision for the future of rowing in the United States. As we look toward LA 2028, these guiding principles will shape our strategy, strengthen our community, and elevate our athletes. With your continued support and engagement, USRowing is ready to meet the moment—and to lead American rowing into a new era of purpose, pride, and performance.