Kelly Lynch Position: Assistant Coach Season At Clemson: 7th

Kelly Lynch is entering her seventh season as the Tigers' First Assistant Rowing coach. She has built the Clemson rowing program since its inception. With direct responsibilities for the novice program and recruiting, Lynch is continuing to build a competitive Tiger program. Lynch was named CRCA Assistant Coach of the Year for the South region in 2003 and honored again as CRCA South Region Assistant Coach of the Year for 2004.

Lynch enjoys coaching novice because it brings in unique experiences and opportunities every year. She likes teaching women about the sport of rowing and watching student-athletes rise to their full potential. She enjoys teaching a new sport to beginners as well as working with experienced high school recruits, while helping them develop mentally and physically as they transition from high school to collegiate level rowing.

Clemson continues to recruit and attract talented student-athletes with a multitude of athletic backgrounds. Clemson is not only looking for athletes that have rowed prior to college, but is also looking for strong, talented athletes with solid work ethics who are committed to learning the sport of rowing and competing at the Division I level.

"Kelly's extensive coaching background combined with her strong work ethic and commitment has been crucial to the Tiger's success," said head coach Susie Lueck. "The stability in our coaching staff has been significant in building our program to the nationally competitive level."

"Kelly does an outstanding job of coaching first-year collegiate athletes while helping them transition to Division I, ACC competition. She creates an environment where they develop enthusiasm, discipline, commitment, determination and teamwork."

Lynch is a 1991 graduate of Eastern Washington University with a bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing and management. Lynch brings a unique mixture of experience to her coaching since she has successfully coached both NCAA Division I rowing and NCAA Division I golf. Her career started as a Professional Golfer when she became one of very few female members of the PGA of America. Lynch began collegiate coaching when she was named the head coach for Division I men's and women's golf at her alma mater, Eastern Washington University. Prior to coaching at Clemson University Lynch was the head men's and women's golf coach at Gonzaga University (NCAA Division I). Lynch transitioned to rowing after a career ending shoulder injury in golf and is currently an inactive member of the PGA of America.

"The cohesiveness of the staff, combined with their commitment to guiding and encouraging female student-athletes to reach their potential academically and athletically while becoming women of strong character who will succeed in their chosen area of interest makes the Tiger's rowing program unique."