MARIETTA, Ohio – On Wednesday (May 22) morning Marietta College Director of Athletics Larry Hiser announced the resignation of head women's rowing coach Kelly Harris to pursue coaching opportunities closer to friends and family in the northeast.
“We are really going to miss Kelly. She was focused on excellence in all phases of her life and demanded the same of her student-athletes,” Hiser said. “The results speak for themselves. The women's rowing program is in a position of strength because of Kelly's commitment to Marietta College. We are grateful for that and wish her nothing but the best in her future.”
In her six years at the helm of the Pioneer Navy, Harris rebuilt the women's rowing program into a nationally respected program making two trips to the NCAA Division III National Championship.
"I am so grateful to the Marietta community, both town and College, for supporting me and giving me the opportunity to lead the women's rowing program to six tremendous years of wins and success,” Harris said. “It has been a rewarding process of growth and development as a young female coach, and one that I am certain has prepared me for my next great challenge. I leave Marietta confident in the positive direction of the program, proud of the young women whose lives I have had the ability to impact, and deeply appreciative for the gifts of team success and victories we have shared along the way”
Under Harris' direction, Marietta captured two Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference (MARC) Championships and two Dad Vail varsity 8+ Gold Medals. Harris was named the MARC Coach of the Year three consecutive years from 2010-2012.
“Undoubtedly, the Pioneers will continue to compete at their highest level for the MARC Championship, the coveted Dad Vail Gold, and a berth to the NCAA Championships on an annual basis,” Harris said. “I will greatly miss Marietta College and want to express my sincerest thanks to the terrific individuals with whom I have had the chance to work and befriend in my time here.”
Prior to Marietta, Harris spent two years at Marist College where she led the Red Foxes to back-to-back Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships and she was named the MAAC Coach of the Year.
A 2001 graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Harris was a four-year member and two-year captain of the women's rowing team. During her career at UNH, Harris rowed to a gold medal in the varsity 8+ at the 1999 New England Championships.
A national search will begin immediately for Marietta College's next women's rowing coach.
