IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa rowing program welcomes graduate assistant coach Molly Rygh and Assistant Coach/Director of Operations Paige Schlapkohl, head coach Jeff Garbutt announced on Tuesday. Rygh and Schlapkohl are both former members of the program.
“I am so excited to have Molly join the staff as she continues her graduate program,” Garbutt said. “She was an amazing member of the team during her four years here. Being one of our original Homegrown Hawkeyes, she brings a unique perspective to our staff that will be valuable in our athletes’ development. Her experience as a Hawkeye and leadership abilities will be huge assets to our staff.”
Throughout Rygh’s rowing career at Iowa, she earned honors as a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, two-time Academic All-Big Ten, CRCA Scholar Athlete, and was a three-time letterwinner. Rygh raced on II Varsity 8+ boats and helped Iowa win B1G/Big 12 Double Dual in 2023. She is the daughter of Chris and Mary Beth Rygh. She studied elementary education throughout her time as a Hawkeye.
Garbutt also added, “Having Paige return home to Iowa City is amazing. In my time at Iowa, I can’t think of a better example of what our program embodies. She was one of our walk-ons during her freshman year, was a member of our Varsity Eight boat in her last season, competed at Henley, and eventually studied and rowed at Oxford Brookes University in England. Her Hawkeye story is one that is a tremendous example of what it means to be a Hawkeye rower and we are fortunate to have her back!”
As a sophomore, Schlapkohl helped the 2N8+ crew to a first-place finish at the Big Ten/ACC Double Dual. She appeared in eleven competitions on the II Varsity Eight crew, one including helping Iowa to second place at the Big Ten Championships her final year at Iowa. She was also a two-time letterwinner.
A Davenport, Iowa native, Schlapkohl is the daughter of Loren and Nancy Schlapkohl. She also studied elementary education at UI and finished her degree at Oxford Brookes University in England.