Meet the coaches
Our coaching staff has a strong emphasis on ensuring that our team members are not only strong athletes, but that they are also responsible young adults. We work to ensure that your student athletes are students first, and athletes second.
Rowing can help teach the young athletes time management, communication, team work, the value of hard work, and how to go after their goals. Our athletes work day in and out out to live up to the values of the team, to give all you have for that day and to support their team members. Our coaching staff hold them to those values, to help the athletes achieve the goals they set for themselves.
HEAD COACH
Emma started in the Rockford Rowing Program in 6th grade and continued year-round until she graduated high school. After multiple placements in high school, Emma went on to row at Mercyhurst University where she placed first in multiple competitions including the 2022 NCAA championships and 2022 Head of the Charles. Emma focuses on developing well-rounded student-athletes by focusing on performance and mental health on and off the water.
EMMA LASSIG
NOVICE HEAD COACH
Josie was a coxswain at Rockford all four years in High School. She started as a rower before committing to coxing for the next four years. She went on to have many successful seasons throughout her junior and senior years. Her biggest accomplishments include coxing the women’s JV8 at the 2021 State Championships (1st place), the women’s V8 at the 2022 Midwest Championships (2nd place), and the women’s lightweight four in Canada (2nd place).
josie dickerson
Montana Durham
JV/V Assistant Coach
Kellen Shellenbarger
JV/V Assistant Coach
Jeff Garant
Volunteer Assistant Coach
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Alissa has been teaching Yoga for the past 11 years and focuses on strong body alignment to safely increase flexibility and strength. Alissa will work on guiding you through breathwork and flexibility training to get you into the best condition possible for the upcoming rowing season. She loves that yoga meets you right where you are and that it can be modified to work for any and everyone. We will work on strengthening your breathing skills and building flexibility so you can maintain a strong posture as you row.
Alissa Newberg
STRENGTH + CONDITIONING COACH
Coach Rice has coached the Freshman football team at Rockford for the past 3 years. He graduated from Hope College with an Exercise Science degree. He has managed gyms in Holland and Grand Rapids. During that time he has been a personal trainer and has held multiple training certifications. Coach Rice has been in the fitness industry for over 25 years and works with top fitness manufacturers. He enjoys working with athletes to improve their strength, skills, and confidence.