USRowing Announces Initial Coaching Staff for 2026 U19 Selection Camp 

USRowing is pleased to announce the first members of the coaching staff for the 2026 Under 19 Selection Camp, which will assemble the nation’s top junior athletes in preparation for the 2026 World Rowing Under 19 Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. 

Caitlin McClain, USRowing Pathways Talent Coach and U19 Head Coach, will lead the 2026 Selection Camp. McClain has been part of the Pathways coaching leadership since the program was launched in 2023 and previously served as the U19 Women’s Head Coach, where she helped guide USRowing’s youngest national team athletes through a critical period of program growth and alignment. Read more about McClain’s role as a Pathways Talent Coach here.

Joining McClain are two returning coaches from the 2025 U19 men’s staff, a continuation that reflects USRowing’s commitment to consistency, system alignment, and long-term athlete development within the Pathways framework. Additionally, 2025 U19 Team Manager Nick Haley will return to the coaching side to the staff.

Returning Staff: 

• Jamie Hamp — Men’s Sweep Coach 
Hamp returns to the men’s sweep side after contributing significantly to the development of the 2025 U19 men’s squad. With coaching experience across both scholastic and club programs, Hamp is known for his strong technical focus, athlete-centered approach, and his ability to create a positive, development-focused team culture. His continued presence brings valuable continuity to the men’s sweep discipline as the program builds toward 2026. 

• James Konopka — Men’s Sculling Coach 
Konopka returns as the men’s sculling coach, bringing a deep background in small-boat development and a proven track record of guiding junior athletes to high-performance standards. His experience in fostering strong boat-moving skills and athlete confidence in sculling shells was instrumental in 2025, and his return ensures consistent direction for the men’s sculling group as the program advances toward the world stage. 

• Nick Haley - Men’s Coach

Haley brings decades of experience in junior rowing development to the U19 staff. Based in Portland, Oregon, Haley has spent more than 30 years coaching junior athletes and is the founder and head coach of Rose City Rowing Club. First named to the Junior National Team staff in 1999, he has since served in multiple roles, including coach and team manager, contributing long-standing expertise and leadership to the U19 program.

“We’re excited to welcome back Jamie and James for 2026,” said Brett Gorman, USRowing Head Coach of High Performance Pathways. “Their engagement, consistency, and alignment with the Pathways mission played a meaningful role in the growth of the U19 program this past year. Bringing Nick Haley back in a coaching role perfectly complements the men's side of the program and will further enhance continuity across the entire camp.”

USRowing has opened a search for additional coaches to round out the 2026 U19 Selection Camp staff. Open roles include Women’s Sweep Coach, Women’s Sculling Coach, Team Manager, and a non-Worlds traveling Coach Intern.

Applicants should be familiar with the pillars of the USRowing Pathways Program, which emphasize system alignment, transparency, collaboration, and long-term athlete development. Interested coaches may submit their application here. 

The full U19 Selection Camp staff will be announced later this winter.