S7E8: Crews, Code, and the Rise of RegattaCentral

A lightbulb moment in 1999 for RegattaCentral founder and president Steve Lopez brought rowing and early internet technology together, and his idea quietly reshaped  regatta registration, data, and analytics. From fax machines and modems, to mobile-first design and data-driven insights, we trace the evolution of RegattaCentral.

S7E7: “There’s Always Gonna’ Be a Way”

In 2021, Cillian Mullen was at a pivotal moment — navigating his identity, the college recruitment process, and transgender athlete policies. Five years later, his journey has taken him to U19 and U23 National Teams, and the University of Washington. We explore team dynamics, coaching thought leadership, and how he’s continuing to carve out his place in rowing.

S7E6: Ann Arbor Rowing Club

Francine MacBride shares stories from AARC’s early days in the 1980s. Fundraising and marketing chair Andrea Danz walks us through helping the Club develop a thoughtful approach to fundraising. Coach Mary Giacobbi explains how AARC manages to support both recreational and competitively driven rowers – often in the very same practice.

S7E5: Leadership on the Lake at Texas Rowing Center

Right in the heart Austin flows Lady Bird Lake, a stretch of the Colorado River that has become a daily gathering place for runners, paddlers, and rowers alike. On its banks sits a true Austin institution: Texas Rowing Center. For owner Matt Knifton, this place isn’t just a business, it’s where his story has unfolded since the 1980s.

S7E4: Reclaiming the Athlete Within

After a brain cancer diagnosis and multiple surgeries, Katie Weber’s athletic identity felt suddenly out of reach. When she found adaptive rowing, Katie discovered a new challenge, rebuilt confidence and independence, and redefined what competition could look like. Through it all, her husband Will has been her gym buddy, race-day cheerleader, and number one fan.

S7E3: “Quit Last”

Four-time Olympic medalist Marnie McBean is one of the most decorated Canadian rowers of all time. She’s been a mentor and leader for generations of athletes and now she’s also serving her country as a Senator in the Canadian Parliament, bringing that same curiosity, leadership, and commitment to service to national issues. 

S7E2: “First, Do What’s Hard”

Nicki Plucinski found rowing as a teenager and though “woefully uninformed” going into her first race, something her coach said that day left a lasting impression. Nearly 30 years later, Nicki has turned that experience into the mission behind Ratio Theory Rowing – to give athletes the attention, direction, and information they need to succeed.

S7E1: Expanding the Reach and Impact of Rowing

From his early days rowing in Philly to the launch of Rowfluencers – what he calls the "#1 Rowing Talent & NIL marketing agency in the World" – Maurice Scott has sought to  uplift the sport as a whole. Using the playbook of pro sports, Rowfluencers takes the power of individual storytelling and amplifies it.