Syracuse Women's Rowing Coach Kris Sanford Resigns
6/10/2010 3:33:06 PM | Women's Rowing
SYRACUSE – Syracuse University women's rowing coach Kris Sanford is resigning her position to pursue a career in nursing. The 14th-year head coach and three-time BIG EAST Coach of the Year led the program to five NCAA Championship events, three BIG EAST titles and has mentored three Olympians.
“It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing my resignation as Head Rowing Coach at Syracuse University,” Sanford said. “I have been privileged to work with great student-athletes and people within the athletics department. I hope the student-athletes have learned from me, as I have certainly benefitted from working with them. I am proud of the things we have accomplished.
“Sixteen years ago (retired SU athletics director) Jake Crouthamel gave me the opportunity to become a part of a program that I grew up with at a University that has a rich history. As I move forward into the next chapter of my life, I am excited to watch a new era for Syracuse Rowing. I am very confident that (athletics director) Dr. Daryl Gross will hire the best person to continue the strong tradition of Syracuse rowing.”
Sanford led Syracuse to its first NCAA Championship appearance in 2000 when the varsity eight earned an NCAA at-large bid and finished ninth at the national championship. The following year, the Orange varsity eight made the grand final at the NCAA Championship and placed sixth. The boat, which won the inaugural BIG EAST Rowing Challenge, won its first eight races and finished third at the Eastern Sprints. Sanford earned the BIG EAST, Mid-Atlantic Region and Eastern Sprints Coach of the Year awards.
“We are proud of Kris and her accomplishments with the rowing program,” Gross said. “She provided leadership on the water, in the classroom and in the community and produced positive results in all areas. We are poised to take what she built and advance the program to the national stage.”
The success continued in 2002 when she led the Orange to another milestone – the program's first team bid to the NCAA Championship.
Since the inception of the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) All-America program in 2000, the Orange has had six individuals recognized, including three-time All-Americans Jillian Kott and Goodale, two-time honorees Kate Modolo and Kelly McGrorey, and 2010 All-American Natalie Mastracci. Ally Doodeman earned second-team honors in 2008. In addition, 18 SU rowers have been named to the CRCA Mid-Atlantic Region All-America Team a total of 30 times.
Sanford's expertise has reached the international level, as well, as she has mentored three Olympic medalists. In 2004, Helen Tanger and Froujke Wegman earned bronze medals and in 2008, Anna Goodale won a gold medal and Tanger earned a silver medal. Goodale has won four world championships as a member of the U.S. National Team women's eight, which she made in 2005.
A comprehensive, national search for Sanford's successor will begin immediately.
