Rochester's Gia Doonan to Coach Team USA Rowing

Former Olympic rower Gia Doonan hasn't spent much time on the SouthCoast since she competed in the Tokyo Olympics in July 2021. The Olympian has since traded in her rowing oar for a seat on the University of Texas coaches' launch.

Doonan Retired From Rowing

"I've retired from rowing," said Doonan. "I've taken on my full role of coaching. I am still recovering from a back injury, so I'm still working on that. I stick to swimming and arm weights—anything that doesn't hurt my back."

All She Does Is Win No Matter What

Doonan has been a fixture on the University of Texas rowing team since her freshman year of college. She’s made the transition from a rower to a coach, and in the process she's done a lot of winning. During her time in Austin, the Longhorns women's rowing team has won the NCAA Championship three times. With the tournament beginning next month, Texas enters as the reigning champion.

Doonan has also earned the highest distinction that can be given to a Longhorn: she is in the Hall of Honor.

Courtesy of Gia Doonan

Team USA

Now, Doonan has been named to the coaching staff of the Team USA Under-23 team. This team will be made up of the best college rowers in the United States. It’s designed to give athletes their first taste of international competition and prepare them to compete in the 2032 Olympics.

"When I was on the U23s in college, the coach at the time said they would know how successful we were based on how many athletes from that team made it to Tokyo," she said.

Doonan is now hoping to fill the 2032 Team USA with today’s college rowers. She’ll effectively have a hand in shaping that Brisbane Olympic team.

Training will take place this summer in Oklahoma City. Doonan will continue her work with Longhorns rowing this fall.