Our cOACHES

Will Hedgpeth

What is your rowing background?

I discovered rowing in college while looking for a competitive outlet. This led to me rowing at the University of Georgia for four years, serving on the student board, and captaining the men's team for two years. I wasn't the best or worst rower, but I loved the sport and the community.

After my time rowing, I started as the Novice Men's Coach at UGA for my first year, and it was in coaching that I truly found my stride. Once I came on board as a coach, we transformed the team culture, resulting in a notable increase in team size and streamlined logistical operations. I also provided strategic leadership to student officers, enhancing organizational continuity and goal-setting.

The following year, I took over as Head Men's Coach from August 2014 to July 2017, significantly expanding the men’s team from three before I arrived to over sixty athletes through consistent recruiting and ensuring athlete engagement. I also successfully collaborated with the women’s team to optimize program resources on a limited budget for a rapidly growing team.

Due to my success in program growth and retention, I took a role on an expanding coaching staff as Director of Development. In this role, I guided 80+ new male and female students each season through intensive training sessions, imparting essential rowing techniques crucial for regional and national championships. This cohesive introductory year established clear team expectations to strengthen unity among new members.

Around this time, I met my wife, Pam, and once we got married we decided to move to Nashville so that I could continue my coaching journey at NRC. I initially came for the Masters Program Director position but ended up helping with juniors, as well as some equipment and outreach. During this time, the masters saw continued competitive success and consistent growth in membership, program participation, and assistant coaching staff availability. I became familiar with the inner workings of the team and learned a great deal about the club's operation and history from Cory.

Once Pam and I decided to start our family three years ago, the long hours of coaching were no longer conducive to our goals, so I decided to pursue my own business. This has refined a whole host of business and organizational skills: management, process creation and optimization, networking, budgeting, delegation, and outsourcing. I still have and will continue to work in my business, but I'm now at a point where I have some freedom to give back to Nashville Rowing and the local community by filling in as an interim director.

As interim director, I'll be focused on working hand-in-hand with the current coaching staff, board, and community stakeholders to make sure NRC is able to continue to provide all levels of programming at a high level for the members and the greater community. It's not my intention to come in and shake things up or make massive changes, but to provide stability and foster growth. I understand the importance of continuity and respect the existing framework that has made NRC successful. My approach will focus on building upon our strengths, enhancing communication channels, and ensuring that all members feel supported and valued. I aim to collaborate closely with our dedicated coaches and members to maintain the positive, inclusive, and driven groups we have at all levels. Together, we will work towards sustainable growth while preserving the core values that define the NRC community and its commitment to rowing excellence.

Emma Ewell

What is your rowing background?

I started coxing at age 10 for St. Louis Rowing Club in St. Louis, MO. During this time I placed 3rd in the Women's Lightweight 8+ at Youth Nationals and I went on to compete for the United States Junior National High Performance and Selection Teams. After graduating, I was recruited to cox for the University of Alabama, Roll Tide! I loved every minute of college racing, especially in the SEC.

Why do you choose to coach?

Once I had finished my collegiate rowing career, I knew that I wanted to keep rowing in my life. The best way that came to mind was to coach! My goal is to help athletes fall in love with the sport just like I did.

What are three fast facts about you?

I have a three legged pitbull named Hippo.

I am an only child.

I love Dolly Parton with every ounce of my being.

Mitch Ott

What is your rowing background?

Coach Mitch brings over 11 years of experience in rowing as both an athlete and a coach. As a national-level competitor in collegiate rowing, he was recruited to Mercyhurst University and went on to represent Mercyhurst at the IRA national championship. Later, as the Boys Head Coach at Lake Brantley Rowing Association, he honed his skills in program development, athlete recruitment, and performance optimization. Under his leadership, the rowing program saw significant growth, expanding from fewer than eight athletes to a robust team capable of fielding four 8+s and achieving a boys' junior 8+ state championship title in the crowded arena of Florida rowing.

Coaching Philosophy

Coach Mitch's coaching philosophy emphasizes both physical and mental conditioning, ensuring that athletes are not only prepared for competition but also resilient in the face of challenges, something he continues to hone himself as a professional triathlete. He is particularly drawn to the opportunity at Nashville Rowing, where he aims to align his vision for a high-performance program with the organization’s long-term growth goals. Coach Mitch is eager to apply his expertise in strategic planning, team culture, and management to drive success and growth at NRC.

Assistant Coaches

Connor Graham - Assistant Coach

I’ve been rowing for 15 years and competed as a lightweight at junior, collegiate and open levels racing up and down the East Coast. I have raced in both Sweep and Sculling categories. Programs I raced for were Rocket City Rowing Club, University of Alabama Crew Club, Potomac Boat Club and plan to race with Nashville this fall.

I have 6-7 years of coaching experience with 5 years being focused on sculling development and learn to rows and 2 years as the Head Coach of the Potomac Boat Club Open Women’s Sweep team

In my free time away from the water I like to cook, have my head buried in a book, or spend time with my dog.

Sydney Hennessey - Assistant Coach

I went to Stony Brook University where I studied marine sciences and became the president of the crew club on campus.

I helped coach a middle school/high school crew team on Long Island!

I love spending time outdoors and am an avid hiker!

Lucas Quinby - Assistant Coach

My bio is coming soon!