Coach Gwen is a long-time leader in and supporter of the rowing community. She started her coaching career in Northern Virginia and has served the rowing community for many years in areas of fundraising, development of rowing programs, and regatta organization and support. With more than 22 years of rowing, sculling, and coaching experience Coach Gwen will work to build and support a solid, competitive rowing program. Her goal is to maintain a challenging and positive atmosphere where all rowers can reach and exceed goals, build confidence, and be successful in their racing endeavors. Gwen is a US Rowing Level 3 certified coach and continues her education through conferences, workshops, and networking with other coaches.

Coach Mikaela is a DC native. She began rowing at Jackson-Reed High School’s Varsity team

(2014-2018), making it to Nationals once and a part of an eight that medaled in the DC-area

championships (WMIRA). During her college career, she joined the Ohio University Crew Club for

two years (2018-2020), doubling as a coach and rower and graduating in 2022. Coach Mikaela is a

teacher at Franklin Montessori School in VanNess, DC, and stays active through weight training,

yoga, and Pilates.

Coach Ethan made an immediate impact on Fairfax Crew in his first year of coaching in 2023. He brought his personal experience as a successful Fairfax rower, including All-Met honorable mention recognition in 2022. In addition to coaching for Fairfax, Coach Ethan is known as a motivational and popular coach at Row House in Fairfax. Coach Ethan still holds the all time record best 2K time for Fairfax Crew. He attends college in Northern VA. 

This is Coach Elissa’s second year coaching crew. She is an indoor rowing enthusiast and has done more than her fair share of erging, including two half marathons while working in her current role at Row House in Fairfax. She is member of Sandy Run Scullers. Elissa is an ESOL teacher at Fairfax High School, so she is excited to meet students outside the ESOL bubble. In her free time, Elissa enjoys crafting, playing with her dogs, and tap dancing.

Coach Cora brings years of successful rowing and coaching to Fairfax Crew. She rowed for West Springfield for 3 years and Resilient for 3 seasons culminating in successful competition at the US Rowing Summer National Championships.  She brings insight and expertise in both sculling and sweep rowing. Coach Cora has traveled the world, taught English overseas, and is currently attending college in Northern VA. 

Coach Liz is from Fairfax, Virginia. She began rowing at Woodson High School, and continued her club career at Potomac Boat Club. She made the switch to the coxswain’s seat her junior year, and has utilised her experience as both a rower and coxswain to coach at Resilient Rowing. She has medaled at VASRA State Championships and the Head of the Charles in the coxswain’s seat. In college, she coxed for the University of Washington and is currently on a gap year. Outside of rowing, Coach Liz enjoys practicing yoga, cooking, and studying German.