Sacred Heart University women’s rowing is heading into a new season with momentum on the water and new leadership on the coaching staff.
| Contributed by Kadence Faucher |
The Pioneers have added Lucy McCarron as associate head coach of lightweight rowing and Madison SantaBarbara as assistant coach, as both sides of the program look to build on promising seasons.
“Both Coach Madi and Coach Lucy have already been such an incredible addition to our coaching staff,” said senior Lauren McQuillan.
McCarron joins the lightweight program entering its second year after reaching the IRA National Championship in its inaugural season. McCarron has a strong background in both rowing and coaching lightweight crews.
A former lightweight rower at Newcastle University and Durham University in the United Kingdom, she has spent roughly 15 years coaching at the high school, collegiate and club levels.
“Coach Lucy brings a level of experience and knowledge that we are so grateful to have for the lightweights!” said McQuillan.
SantaBarbara brings a wealth of knowledge as a rower of 11 years. During her collegiate career at Jacksonville University, she was part of three consecutive MAAC championship teams from ‘22 through ‘24.
“Having competed in the MAAC and been part of three championship teams, I’ve experienced what it takes to build a winning team,” said SantaBarbara. “Success comes from having a strong culture and everyone being committed to the same goal.”
She also has some familiarity with Sacred Heart from the other side of the starting line. SantaBarbara competed against the Pioneers at the ‘24 MAAC Championships, when Jacksonville won the team title and Sacred Heart finished second overall.
The Pioneers are coming off a strong finish at the MAAC Championships, where Sacred Heart earned medals in all three major scoring boats: first varsity 8, second varsity 8 and first varsity 4.
“We’re definitely looking to build off of that for this year,” said McQuillan.
SantaBarbara is encouraged by what she has seen from the team so far. However, reaching their full potential is more than just race-day results.
“Since joining the program, I’ve learned that this team has a lot of potential. There are a lot of different personalities and backgrounds within the team, which makes it unique,” said SantaBarbara. “I think that diversity can be a huge strength because everyone brings something different to the team.”
One of her goals this season is to unite those individuals behind a common purpose and instill the importance of daily effort, emphasizing that success is built through the work athletes put in every day.
“It’s about showing up, holding each other accountable, supporting your teammates and creating an environment where everyone wants to get better,” she said.
As for the athletes, they are ready to rise to SantaBarbara’s expectations.
“We’re always aiming to raise the bar even higher than the year prior,” said McQuillan. “Aiming for even better results and making this team even faster. I’m such a strong believer in this team, these coaches, and this program.”
The Pioneers will have their first opportunities to put that work to the test this fall at the Head of the Riverfront on Oct. 4, followed by the Head of the Charles Oct. 17–18 and the Head of the Schuylkill on Oct. 24.
Athletic Communications contributed to this article
