COACHES
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
We believe in responsible athlete development that creates a lasting foundation for success. We strive to build a positive team environment where each rower feels understood and cared for as an individual. We work to create a bond between Coach and athlete that is built on respect, trust, and empathy. Learning to row well is challenging, so we want every step along the path of improvement to be met with encouragement.
HIGHLY QUALIFIED COACHES
We support continued education and competitive compensation to maintain the highest quality coaching staff. Our annual coaching staff has 35 years of combined youth and collegiate coaching experience and over 45 years of experience in the sport of rowing. All of our coaches and instructors have four or more years of rowing experience, passed a state and national background screening, and are educated/trained/certified in the following: Gem City Crew Policies; Safesport Training; Adult, Child, and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED; NFHS Concussion in Sports (Ohio).
Additional coaching education, training and certification is encouraged and supported. The majority of our coaches have completed the following additional education, training, and/or certification: USRowing level 1, 2, 3 and advanced coaching education; US Boating Safety and Clean Water; NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching. Our coaches are also students of the sport and continue to read the latest articles & publications regarding training and related fields that inspire us to be better coaches.
Elizabeth McNutt
Elizabeth started her rowing career in 2000 as a youth rower. She rowed at Miami University (Ohio) while attending undergrad from 2004-2008 and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law. Elizabeth has coached since 2005.
Elizabeth is a USRowing Level 2 certified coach.
Elizabeth lives in Dayton with her husband Tyler, sons Cillian, Ronan, and Patrick.
Alex Walters
Alex began his rowing career in 2001 at the University of Cincinnati where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design.
Following graduation, Alex began his coaching career in 2006 with the University of Cincinnati as Novice Coach. In 2009 he joined the Greater Dayton youth rowing program as Assistant Coach. In 2010 he was selected as the Head Coach of the Greater Dayton youth rowing program. Under his direction, Greater Dayton annually advanced boats to the USRowing Youth National Championships, with a record five boats competing at the 2014 USRowing Youth National Championships. In 2015 he joined Gem City Crew, the region’s first youth-only rowing program. Among his alumni are rowers that were awarded Division I athletic scholarships and have continued to be successful at the University level and beyond.
Alex is a USRowing Level 3 certified coach.
Alex lives in Dayton with his wife Rebecca, daughters Eloise, Nora, and Mae.
A special thanks to past and present coaches that have contributed to Gem City Crew: