Mark Lewis Resigns as USD Women’s Rowing Coach

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The USD women's rowing team showcasing their athleticism during a competitive regatta.

News Summary

Mark Lewis has stepped down as the interim head coach of the University of San Diego women’s rowing program, citing personal reasons for his resignation. During his brief tenure, he led the team to a fifth-place finish at the West Coast Conference Championships and saw two athletes named to the All-West Coast Conference Rowing Team. The USD athletic department is now commencing a national search for Lewis’s successor to maintain the team’s competitive momentum and success.

San Diego, CA – Mark Lewis has resigned as the interim head coach of the University of San Diego (USD) women’s rowing program, citing personal reasons for his departure. His resignation marks the end of a brief tenure that began with the 2024-25 season, during which he led the team to notable accomplishments.

During his time as head coach, Lewis guided the Torero women’s rowing team to a commendable fifth-place finish at the West Coast Conference Championships. Under his leadership, two athletes were selected to the All-West Coast Conference (All-WCC) Rowing Team, further demonstrating the program’s competitive performance during the season.

In addition to the championship success, the team made significant strides at various regattas, including strong showings at the Triton Invite and the Oregon State Invite. Lewis expressed his sadness at leaving a program he enjoyed coaching and reassured fans and supporters that the team remains in capable hands as they continue their development.

USD Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Athletics, Kimya Massey, acknowledged Lewis’s positive impact on the program during uncertain times. She noted the depth of his experience and his strong commitment to supporting student-athletes, which helped steady the team during the transition period.

A national search for Lewis’s successor will commence immediately as the USD athletic department aims to find a new head coach for the women’s rowing program. The Torero women’s rowing program has a history of competitiveness, having previously celebrated a second-place finish at the WCC Championships in 2024. The team regularly competes in prestigious events, such as the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston and the San Diego Crew Classic held in Mission Bay.

Mark Lewis’s resignation ends a chapter for the USD women’s rowing program, which is recognized for its dedication to excellence both on and off the water. The upcoming search for a new head coach will be pivotal in maintaining the momentum and success that have characterized the program.

As the program prepares for this transition, all eyes will be on the selection of a new leader who can inspire and guide the team in upcoming competitions. The USD community awaits with anticipation how the changes will shape the future of the women’s rowing program.