Meet Asiya Mahmud

Asiya Mahmud, head women's rowing coach at Drexel University, is one of the three coaches working with this year's CanAmMex squad this summer along with Kevin Harris and Matt Grau. CanAmMex is an annual collaboration camp between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. that includes a week of training followed by a regatta. This year's regatta will take place July 14-15 in Sarasota, Fla.

1. Tell me a little about yourself and your background, where you grew up, and your family.

I grew up in Brigantine and Mays Landing, New Jersey. I started rowing my freshman year of high school and continued my rowing career at Drexel University. After graduation I returned to Oakcrest High School as a coach. I've also coached Bucknell, Drexel, and a lot of dedicated summer rowing programs.

2. How did you grow a love for rowing?

It was my sister who influenced me to row. She medaled at the Stotesbury Regatta, and after seeing that, I knew that it was something I hoped to do someday. Though that never came to fruition, I was already hooked. I enjoyed the camaraderie, as well as the opportunity to always push yourself with something so complex yet so simple.

3. How has being a level 3 high-performance certified coach helped you through your coaching journey?

Level 3 helped me to take risks and to continue to grow as a coach. It also gave me a lot of great coaching connections.

4. What is the biggest lesson you've learned through coaching?

Be true to yourself and enjoy the experience.

5. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get into coaching but was uncertain?

Find someone to connect with! It's a lot easier to get into coaching and this sport in general if you have someone who can help you. I've been lucky to have great mentors and make connections with other coaches by sending an email or asking for a ride in their launch.

6. Have you ever been to the CanAmMex regatta before as an athlete or coach?

This is my first year as a CanAmMex coach! I coached the U19 women's four with coxswain to a gold medal in Bulgaria in 2021 and the U23 women's four with coxswain to a bronze medal in Italy in 2022. The coaches and athletes have been fantastic. This is a fast and exciting group, and I'm looking forward to seeing them get on the start line!