Dickson named Sammamish Rowing Association new junior program head men’s coach

July 14, 2017 2:30 pm
Dickson named Sammamish Rowing Association new junior program head men’s coach

Eliza Dickson will take over as the Sammamish Rowing Association (SRA) head men’s coach for the junior program, SRA Executive Director Steven Freygang recently announced.

According to the SRA website, Dickson coached at Oklahoma City University for the last four years and the team notched its best-ever finishes at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Regatta (SIRA) and Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA). Prior to Oklahoma, Dickson led Sarasota Crew to several state and regional championships as the varsity boy’s coach, and a national championship in 2013.

“I am thrilled to have Eliza joining our team,” Freygang said. “Her passion for the sport and commitment to developing successful student-athletes is really impressive.”

Freygang added that Dickson brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Redmond-based SRA.

SRA hired Dickson following a national search for a permanent head coach.

She rowed at Washington College under legendary coach Mike Davenport where she earned a degree in political science in 1996. Just after graduating, she began coaching at Annapolis Rowing Club, followed by coaching positions at Miami Rowing Center, the Pine Crest School and Sarasota Crew. Sarasota saw explosive growth and success under Dickson’s direction, leading to multiple state and regional championships. From 2010 to 2013, the Sarasota Varsity 8+ placed ninth, fourth, second and first at the US Rowing Youth National Championships.

“I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity and excited to lead the junior boys, as well as assist with our masters program and work to develop future programming with our senior-leadership staff,” Dickson said. “In just a brief visit to Sammamish, I saw a professional organization with supportive leadership from its board and senior staff who all share the same values, commitment, and passion that I have for rowing and coaching.”

Dickson’s background also includes high performance and development coaching at the Oklahoma City National High Performance Center, in addition to coaching masters and junior rowers at the Craftsbury Sculling Center in Vermont. In 2015, she was named the Women’s Coach for the US Team at the World University Games in South Korea.