Women's Rowing 9/26/2022 10:00:00 AM Chris Brannick

Jennifer Gilbert Named Head Rowing Coach

EDMOND – The University of Central Oklahoma announced Thursday Jennifer Gilbert has been hired to lead its rowing program.

"We're excited to have Jen on board to lead the UCO rowing team," UCO Director of Athletics Stan Wagnon said. "I believe she'll make an immediate impact with her expertise and perspective. Jen has a broad background and great understanding of the sport, and I'm confident she is both a great fit for our program and capable of leading the program to new heights."

Gilbert, from Brisbane, Australia, brings more than 20 years of experience to Central Oklahoma. She inherits a program with three NCAA Division II national team championships, four Varsity 8+ titles and two more Varsity 4+ titles.

"From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I got a real sense for the support and community that there is here at UCO," Gilbert said. "The facilities are first-class, and the staff are eager to support both the student-athletes and the coaches to achieve their best. I would like to take this moment to thank Stan and the hiring committee for this incredible opportunity to be the next head coach of UCO's Women's Rowing program.

"I would also like to give a special note of thanks to the teams assistant coach, Jimmy Francis who has overseen the team these last few months," Gilbert added. "Jimmy has done an incredible job getting the team started for this year and working on the next recruiting class."

Gilbert has spent the past two years coaching at the US Rowing National High-Performance Center in Oklahoma City. She was head coach at the University of Colorado from 2017-19 before that. Gilbert's work in Colorado also included the Colorado Junior Crew.

Gilbert also coached an Australian National Team crew in 2016. She coached in several circles in her native country beginning in 2004. Gilbert served as a High-Performance coach at the University of Queensland Boat Club and worked with the Queensland State Team from 2004-16.

She has also coached at several high schools and club programs in Australia from 2005-15.

Central Oklahoma rowed its first race in 2008 and in just 10 years, reached the pinnacle of Division II women's rowing. The Bronchos won national team championships in 2018, 2019 and 2021. UCO won Varsity 8+ national titles in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021, and Varsity 4+ national titles in 2019 and 2021.

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