USRowing Receives Major Gift Honoring Fred L. Emerson, Jr.

USRowing Receives Major Gift to Name and Support High Performance Coaching Role Honoring Fred L. Emerson, Jr. 

• USRowing receives a $400,000 gift from an anonymous donor to fund and name the Head Coach, High Performance Pathways position through the 2025–2028 quadrennium, honoring legendary coach Fred L. Emerson, Jr.
• Held by Olympian Brett Gorman, the role supports development of U19, U23, and Senior athletes and coaches through a unified, national high performance pipeline.
• The donor, a former collegiate rower and current Masters competitor, credits rowing for his personal and professional success and aims to inspire future generations of U.S. athletes and coaches.

USRowing is proud to announce a $400,000 multi-year gift from an anonymous donor to fund and name the Head Coach, High Performance Pathways position for the 2025–2028 quadrennium, a key role in developing the next generation of elite U.S. rowing talent. This position, currently held by Olympian Brett Gorman, will now be named in honor of Fred L. Emerson, Jr., a beloved and generous rowing coach from New London, CT, who passed away in 1992. 

The significant quadrennial gift will ensure the sustainability and impact of this critical position. The Head Coach, High Performance Pathways is responsible for identifying and nurturing young athletes with the potential to succeed internationally, while also elevating coaching practices nationwide. 

“We are incredibly grateful for this gift, which will provide the support needed to help us identify talent and cultivate athletes in the national team pipeline,” said Josy Verdonkschot, USRowing’s McLane Family Chief High Performance Officer. "This gift will enable us to support this critical position over the quadrennial and shepherd the best American athletes into our high performance program.”   

Honoring the Lasting Legacy of Fred L. Emerson, Jr.

The naming of the position pays tribute to Fred L. Emerson, Jr., a passionate supporter of rowing who had a transformative impact on countless programs in the Northeast. His legacy lives on in trophies at nearly every regional regatta and in the Emerson Cup, the annual race between Trinity College and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. On the underside of a bridge at Lake Quinsigamond, a message known only to passing rowers reads: "Fred Emerson is the patron saint of crew." 

Emerson helped establish and sustain rowing programs at East Lyme, Old Lyme, and Deep River high schools, as well as at preparatory schools including Kent, Pomfret, and Choate. When he launched the Coast Guard Academy’s rowing program, he provided boats, paid salaries, and covered travel costs. Emerson also served on the U.S. Olympic Rowing Committee and the National Women’s Olympic Rowing Committee. His contributions, while often quiet and behind the scenes, had national impact. 

“This contribution is named in honor of an incredible coach, mentor, and rowing philanthropist who impacted our family and many others,” said the donor. “It is an honor to celebrate and recognize his contribution to our sport in this meaningful way.” 

The anonymous donor is an accomplished former collegiate rower who now competes on the masters circuit. He credits his rowing background for instilling the discipline, focus, and work ethic that have helped him succeed in business. His gift not only honors Emerson’s enduring legacy but also aims to ensure future generations of athletes benefit from the same foundational experiences and mentorship that shaped his own path. 

 

Fred L. Emerson Jr. Head Coach Role Shapes Future Talent

The Fred L. Emerson Jr. Head Coach, High Performance Pathways focuses on holistic athlete development and long-term success in international competition. The Pathways program provides athletes with the resources, training, and mentorship they need to reach their full potential. It establishes standardized coaching methodologies, consistent training regimens, and performance evaluation criteria across development programs. Additionally, the role emphasizes professional development and mentorship for coaches nationwide, creating a culture of excellence at every level of the athlete pipeline. 

Currently held by Brett Gorman, OLY, the role benefits from her extensive experience as both an elite rower and respected coach. Gorman is a two-time world champion in the women’s eight (2006, 2007) and served as an alternate for the U.S. at the 2008 Olympics. She previously competed on the U19, U23, and Senior National Teams before transitioning into coaching roles at the University of Michigan and the University of Virginia. She has also served USRowing as Director of Athlete Development for the U23 women’s national team and Director of Coaching Education. Gorman took on the Head Coach, High Performance Pathways role in 2022. 

“This position brings USRowing’s U19, U23, and Senior National Teams under one unified structure, creating a fully integrated system to better serve athletes and coaches at every stage of their high-performance journey,” said Brett Gorman, Fred L. Emerson Jr. Head Coach, High Performance Pathways. “Having the role named in honor of someone who devoted his life to advancing the sport makes its impact even more meaningful.” 

This gift enhances USRowing’s ability to identify and develop the country's top talent and supports building lasting infrastructure for success on the world stage. 
 

About USRowing Foundation   

The USRowing Foundation is the official fundraising arm of the United States Rowing Association (USRowing) and the U.S. National Team. Trustees of the USRowing Foundation use their personal and professional contacts to grow the USRowing fundraising pipeline– providing opportunities for individuals, foundations, and corporations to support USRowing initiatives and priorities through individual philanthropy and corporate partnerships. For additional information about the USRowing Foundation: tracy.brown@usrowing.org