IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa head rowing coach Andrew Carter announced Monday that Megan Fitzpatrick has been promoted to assistant coach, and Megan Patrick and Emma Gresson have joined the Hawkeye coaching staff. Patrick will serve as an assistant coach; Gresson is the program’s graduate assistant.
Fitzpatrick was a graduate assistant coach on Iowa’s staff from 2014-16. She came to Iowa from the University of Tulsa, where she was a four-year rowing letterwinner. The Absecon, New Jersey, native captained the Golden Hurricane and earned the Tulsa Rowing Hurricane Spirit Award as a junior and senior. Fitzpatrick also excelled in the classroom, earning C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll and Tulsa Athletic Directors Honor Roll recognition all four years.
“Megan has done an incredible job as a graduate assistant coach the past two years,” Carter said. “I cannot imagine someone performing at a higher level in that role. When we had the opportunity to bring her on as a full-time staff member, I didn’t hesitate. Megan’s work ethic, drive to succeed, and excitement about our program is obvious and that will continue to make her a valuable contributor to our team.”
Patrick joins the Hawkeyes after a four-year stint at Alabama, where her primary duties included serving as the Crimson Tide’s recruiting coordinator and coaching UA’s small boats.
Prior to joining the Tide, Patrick was an intern coach at the University of Virginia, working with both the women’s and men’s rowing teams. She served as an assistant coach for the Oxford University Women’s Boat Club from 2006-09 where her record coaching the junior varsity was 2-1 for the Reserves Race. During that time, she was also the men’s and women’s coach for St. Hugh’s College Boat Club.
Patrick earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Princeton in 2001 and followed that with a pair of master’s degrees from Oxford, a master’s degree from Oxford Brookes, and a doctorate in education from Oxford in 2010.
“Megan brings unique experiences to Iowa that will provide exciting diversity to our program,” Carter said. “As a former coxswain at both Princeton and Oxford, she’ll be a valuable resource to our coxswain corps. Megan has not only seen, but been part of, some of the best collegiate rowing in the world and I’m looking forward to her bringing that experience to our program.”
Gresson, a native of Hamilton, New Zealand, spent the past six seasons as an assistant coach at Oklahoma. She headed up Oklahoma’s novice program for four years before stepping into a varsity coaching position. During her time in Norman, the Sooners won back-to-back Big 12 and Conference USA titles.
“I’ve known Emma for nearly 10 years, first as a rower I worked with in New Zealand and then as an emerging coach here in the United States,” Carter said. “Having her join us as a graduate assistant is a rare opportunity. Emma has done a terrific job at Oklahoma and when she reached out regarding her interest in pursuing graduate study, I knew it was a perfect match. She brings a rare level of experience into the GA role. I couldn’t be more pleased to have her onboard.”
The Hawkeyes are hosting tryouts Aug. 26 – Sept. 8 for all University of Iowa female students interested in competing in Division I athletics. No experience is necessary. Current members of the Hawkeye rowing team and coaching staff will host informational meetings Aug. 21 at 2 p.m. (CT) and Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. Both meetings are at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Contact Megan Patrick at megan-patrick@uiowa.edu for more information.