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University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

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Jennifer Gilbert

Jennifer Gilbert

Jen Gilbert became the University of Central Oklahoma head rowing coach in 2022 and quickly established the nationally-renowned program wasn't going away.
 
In her first season, she led UCO to the GNAC Championship and an NCAA Division II national runner-up finish. The Bronchos claimed a handful of victories along the way and were ranked No. 1 in the country multiple weeks during the spring championship season. 

Central Oklahoma won first place at the FIRA Championships in both the Varsity 8+ and Varsity 4+ boats. The fours won again at the Knecht Cup Regatta while the eights finished second by less than one second. UCO got third in the fours and second in the eights at the WIRA Championships, and then won the GNAC team title for the second time in three years thanks to a first-place finish in the fours and a second-place finish in the eights. 

UCO won both of their heat races at the 2023 NCAA Division II Rowing Championships before finishing second in the championship races for both boats. Gilbert coached five All-GNAC selections in her first season.

Gilbert led Central Oklahoma back to the national championships in 2024 and had the Bronchos on the verge of their fourth national title. UCO finished third in the Varsity 4+ national championship race, then third again in the Varsity 8+ final. The Bronchos got a third-place team finish as a result. 

In 2024, Gilbert coaches two All-Americans, two All-GNAC picks, and an NCAA Division II-high eight scholar athletes. 

From Brisbane, Australia, Gilbert brings more than 20 years of experience to Central Oklahoma.
 
Gilbert spent 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.
 

 
 
 
 
 
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