Letter From Our CEO-November 2025

Dear USRowing Members,  

As we head towards Thanksgiving, I’m feeling very grateful for the people who make USRowing the organization it is. That sense of gratitude was on full display last week at our annual Golden Oars gala in New York City. It was our biggest crowd ever, a full room of supporters, athletes, coaches, board members, trustees, and friends who believe in the future of American rowing. Our inspiring Athletes of the Year were recognized for the leadership they bring to the sport. Meet our 2025 athletes of the year for the Senior team, U19, U23, and Para team, and watch out for the Beach Sprints announcement to come shortly. That evening, we honored Andy McLane, a trustee of the USRowing Foundation, whose leadership and commitment continue to strengthen every corner of our organization, and we had the privilege of celebrating the extraordinary women of the Red Rose Crew. These women were fearless leaders in our sport. Their silver medal at the world championships in Nottingham in 1975 opened doors for generations of women all of whom now stand on their shoulders. They received a very long standing ovation at the dinner, every moment of which I fully believe they deserved.  

We also have plenty to cheer for on the high performance front this month. Our Beach Sprints athletes delivered a truly outstanding performance in Turkey at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals, bringing home two gold medals and one silver. At the heart of that success was Chris Bak, who made history by becoming the first ever three-time world champion in the men’s solo beach sprint event, won silver in the mixed double sculls with Sera Busse, and is now the most decorated beach sprint rower of all time.  Congratulations to Chris and to every athlete, coach, and staff member whose work made these results in Turkey possible.  

As we head into Thanksgiving, I hope each of you finds time with family, chosen family, boatmates, and pets. So many of us are busy and moving quickly all year, but it is nice to pause once in a while and remember why we climb into these boats and go backwards looking for strength and speed, or simply for movement and connection.  

I find there is so much to be grateful for at USRowing. At the very top of that list is you, our members. You make rowing possible in communities across the country. You bring energy, passion, and heart to our sport. Thank you for believing in this sport and in each other. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 
 
Amanda