July 26, 2011
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IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa head rowing coach Mandi Kowal has announced the hiring of Beth Redfearn and Courtney Valerious as assistant coaches.
Redfearn comes to Iowa after serving on staff at Mount Holyoke College for two seasons. While at Mount Holyoke, she collaborated on the daily operations of DIII novice and varsity programs, coaching primarily 2V8 and 3V8. Redfearn also served as head coach of the Mount Holyoke community rowing team.
Prior to working at Mount Holyoke, Redfearn was a coach for Rowing Strong, Rowing Together, where she coached a teen parent rowing program in partnership with the Care Center college prep high school program.
Additionally, Redfearn was the head coach of the Ignatius Chicago crew for three years (2006-2009) and oversaw the girls’ coaching staff, developed a three-season training plan for over 40 athletes, ran practices and team workshops on goal setting, nutrition, and video.
Redfearn was a member of the University of Wisconsin rowing team from 2001-05, where she was the varsity co-captain and coxswain. Redfearn earned a Big Ten gold medal in 2002 and was a bronze medalist in 2004 and 2005.
Redfearn graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2006 with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She also earned her master’s degree in exercise and sports studies from Smith College in 2011.
“I am thrilled to return to the Big Ten and be part of such a great institution and campus community at Iowa,” Redfearn said. “When I first visited campus, I was so impressed by the top-level facilities and all the support surrounding the rowing program. I’m looking forward to working with an energetic coaching staff and a great group of athletes.”
Valerious has been serving as a graduate assistant women’s rowing coach at Indiana University since 2009. She helped assist with the development of a competitive NCAA Division I rowing program and assisted in program design for both novice and varsity athletes.
Before working as a graduate assistant, Valerious worked at Great Lakes Naval Base where she prepared Navy SEAL candidates for success at BUDs through rigorous physical training.
“I am very excited to be a part of Iowa rowing and believe that we have all the right tools to be successful,” Valerious said. “It’s going to be a great year!”
Varlerious was an assistant strength and conditioning coach in 2007 at Indiana as part of an internship program. As an intern, she helped assist in developing preseason strength program for Indiana football and also was responsible for charting and monitoring the progression of all athletes.
Valerious was a member of the Indiana rowing team from 2003-07. She was a team captain in her last season and was voted most “Dedicated Athlete” by her teammates two-straight seasons (2006-2007).
Valerious graduated from Indiana in 2007 with a degree in kinesiology, fitness specialist and coaching minor. She went back to Indiana to earn her master’s degree in kinesiology and applied sports science.
“I am excited to add Courtney and Beth to the Hawkeye rowing staff,” said Kowal. “Their Big Ten experience, along with their energy and excitement for the sport of rowing, will definitely impact the student-athletes. We will benefit greatly from what they will bring to the program, most notably their strong desire to lead the Hawkeyes.”