While USRowing maintains a strong and long tradition of rewarding excellence in rowing, 2011 marks the first time that the rowing community will be invited to participate by nominating and voting on their favorite athletes and coaches of the year through the inaugural USRowing "Fan's Choice" Awards. Vote now!

MASTERS COACH OF THE YEAR

John Bernfield /Genesee Waterways Center, Cross Currents Minority Rowing
Already a seasoned rowing competitor and coach, JB took on the role, on a voluntary basis, to train Cross Currents Minority Rowing- a diversity initiative, and prepared all rowers to participate in the first Diversity Invitational. Has doubled participation in the program. Intention is to help participants “row and grow”.

Jenn Gibbons/ROW Recovery on Water- Chicago
Founder of empowering rowing team for breast cancer survivors, has built a community of passionate rowers who help each other and bring awareness to the cause. Tremendous motivator, coach, counselor, true friend to many. Committed to developing strong rowers and kicking cancer.

Steve Mayo/River City Rowing- Sacramento
Changed the team focus from recreational into a fully competitive Mixed Masters Team. Tremendous positive spirit and camaraderie with the team; also encourages many new novices into the sport. Goes above and beyond what is required. Has great balance in his approach between pushing forward and being positive for things already being done well.

Tom Paulett/Carnegie Lake
Coached rowers to medal performances including 2011 USRowing Nationals. Strengths are commitment to goals, comprehension of his athletes and being an excellent communicator. A 2009 college grad, his rowers dub him an honorary “master” before his time.

Tom Woodman/Sammamish
A former Olympian who has guided his club to excellence, winning the club’s first-ever points trophy at the NW Regionals. Helps many rowers return to the sport after long absences. The Men’s 8+ has gone undefeated since they started in the spring. Very aware and cautious when it comes to overuse injuries, he is beloved by his team.

Row2k Polls
Masters Coach of the Year 2552 Votes Jenn Gibbons - ROW Recovery on Water- Chicago  39.4% John Bernfield - Genesee Waterways Center  26.0% Tom Woodman - Sammamish  15.9% Tom Paulett - Carnegie Lake  13.2% Steve Mayo - River City Rowing- Sacramento   5.4%
past row2k polls

Additional Polls
Junior Rower of the Year
Collegiate Rower of the Year
Masters Rower of the Year
National Team Rower of the Year
Junior Coach of the Year
Collegiate Coach of the Year