Women's Rowing
Ochal, Claire
Claire Ochal
- Title:
- Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator
- Email:
- cakuehne@syr.edu
Claire Ochal worked in multiple roles on the Orange rowing staff from 2018 through July 2023. Prior to the 2022-23 season, Ochal was promoted to associate head coach and she coached the first and second varsity eights and served as the program's recruiting coordinator, a title she earned in September 2021. She joined the Syracuse staff in 2018 after a successful career as a rower at Boston University and coaching at other DI institutions. Ochal rowed for BU from 2008-2012, where she served in the stroke seat and was a three-year captain. During her Syracuse tenure, the Orange earned invitations to the NCAA Championship in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
Prior to Syracuse, Ochal served as the U23 women’s head coach at PNRA/Mercer, leading the team to multiple placings during the summer of 2016. Her crew finished first in the 2016 IDR Open 8+, as well as second in the 2016 IDR WL2x and third in the 2016 Canadien Henley U23 WL2-. Her focus was on implementing sweep and sculling techniques during her tenure.
In 2015-2016, she served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Temple University. As an assistant coach, she helped lead the women’s freshman 8+ boat to a first place finish at the 2015 Navy Day Regatta. The women’s 3V8+ also finished first at the 2016 American Athletic Conference championships.
Prior to joining the staff at Temple, Ochal served as the varsity women’s coach at the nationally acclaimed Long Beach Junior Crew from 2013-2015. The team was incredibly successful with Ochal at the helm, including multiple top-5 finishes at major events. First place finishes include WL2x and WL4+ at the 2015 USRowing Youth National Championships as well as WL8+ at the 2015 San Diego Crew Classic and the WL2x and WL4+ at the 2015 USRowing Southwest Youth Championship.
In 2015, Ochal received a Level II Coaching Certification from USRowing.
Ochal also currently serves at the Daughters of the American Revolution, Washington Crossing Chapter, and has served at organizations such as the Special Olympics of New Jersey, Bike & Build, and College for Every Student. She and her husband, Justin, reside in Syracuse, with their daughter, Martha.
Prior to Syracuse, Ochal served as the U23 women’s head coach at PNRA/Mercer, leading the team to multiple placings during the summer of 2016. Her crew finished first in the 2016 IDR Open 8+, as well as second in the 2016 IDR WL2x and third in the 2016 Canadien Henley U23 WL2-. Her focus was on implementing sweep and sculling techniques during her tenure.
In 2015-2016, she served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Temple University. As an assistant coach, she helped lead the women’s freshman 8+ boat to a first place finish at the 2015 Navy Day Regatta. The women’s 3V8+ also finished first at the 2016 American Athletic Conference championships.
Prior to joining the staff at Temple, Ochal served as the varsity women’s coach at the nationally acclaimed Long Beach Junior Crew from 2013-2015. The team was incredibly successful with Ochal at the helm, including multiple top-5 finishes at major events. First place finishes include WL2x and WL4+ at the 2015 USRowing Youth National Championships as well as WL8+ at the 2015 San Diego Crew Classic and the WL2x and WL4+ at the 2015 USRowing Southwest Youth Championship.
In 2015, Ochal received a Level II Coaching Certification from USRowing.
Ochal also currently serves at the Daughters of the American Revolution, Washington Crossing Chapter, and has served at organizations such as the Special Olympics of New Jersey, Bike & Build, and College for Every Student. She and her husband, Justin, reside in Syracuse, with their daughter, Martha.
Women’s Rowing NCAA Selection Show Reaction
Tuesday, May 20
Highlights | ACC Rowing Championships Prelims
Friday, May 17
Kamile Kralikaite: Olympic Qualifier
Wednesday, September 27
Highlights | Varsity 8 Grand Final - ACC Championship
Saturday, May 13
