I first joined rowing as a coxswain and then transitioned to coaching the junior competitive program in Fall 2017. I have spent over a decade coaching and volunteering in youth sports, primarily in rowing, soccer, and Special Olympics. After completing the Rowing Canada Performance Coach certification program, I attended the 2022 Canada Games as a head coach for Team NL rowing. My goal as a coach is to help athletes reach their fullest potential while cultivating a positive team environment.

What is your greatest rowing accomplishment so far?
My greatest rowing accomplishment was when I got to represent our province at the 2022 Canada Summer Games.

What do you enjoy most about coaching at St. John’s Rowing Club?
Being out on the lake and enjoying the (hopefully) nice weather. More importantly, I enjoy watching our athletes develop their rowing skills over time as they will be the future of the club.

I began rowing 5 years ago, the sport and my amazing teammates and coaches became an influential part of my life. After competing in the 2022 Canada Games I wanted to stay involved in the rowing community. Coaching allows me to stay involved with the sport, and support new athletes in their rowing journey, like my coaches did for me. Coaching at St. John’s rowing club has been a great experience. With knowledgeable and supportive fellow coaches and board members I always have a great time at practices. 

Hi! Im Furey, and I’ve been an assistant coach with the SJRC since May 2021. I started out in the learn to row summer program in 2020 and moved up to the development programs fall and winter training. My dev coach encouraged me to apply for a summer coaching job and I’m so glad she did; I’ve had so much fun working here for the past year, and now I can’t imagine leaving.

This is my second year working as an assistant coach at SJRC and I am so excited. I first started rowing when I was twelve with fixed-seat, and for the past 3 years I have been rowing slide-seat here with SJRC! I love being a rowing coach because it makes me so happy to be able to help athletes improve, and enjoy a sport that is important to me. Coaching allows me to share my love of rowing with others while also teaching people new things. I can’t wait for another great rowing season! 

What inspired you to become a rowing coach?

I’ve been in rowing for 7 years and have always admired my coaches and the overall energy of rowing. I wanted everyone to have the same experience. 

What is your coaching philosophy?

I believe that everyone can enjoy rowing and I feel as though it’s important for me as a coach to make our club the most welcoming and positive space.

What do you enjoy most about coaching at St. John’s Rowing Club?

The most enjoyable aspect of coaching at the St. John’s Rowing Club is the community that I get to be involved with. Whether it be the athletes we coach, or the coaches I work alongside, I always get to meet new people and listen to new perspectives, while teaching them about a sport that has been part of my life for so long.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from rowing?

The most important lesson I’ve learned from rowing is to be more patient, both with myself and with others. Learning things takes time, especially with a sport as technical as rowing, and to become a successful rower/coach takes practice and a desire to keep getting better.

I started rowing with the SJRC High School program in 2013. I’ve enjoyed many years of competitive rowing, growing up alongside great friends and teammates at the boathouse. Since 2016, I‘ve enjoyed coaching athletes of all ages, and more recently being involved in program development and mentorship of coaches in training.

My goal is to give back to the rowing community that means so much to me. Through community-based partnerships and initiatives that promote accessibility, I hope to ensure that rowing is a sport that can be enjoyed by all for years to come.