Rippetoe Named Head Rowing Coach at Boston University
9/3/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Rowing
Sept. 3, 2008
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Stacey Rippetoe, associate head coach for the Michigan State women's rowing team, has accepted the job to become the head rowing coach at Boston University. Rippetoe had spent the last eight seasons with the Spartans and was instrumental in elevating the program to new heights, winning two Big Ten Championships and finishing sixth at the NCAA Championships in 2008.
"I am excited for Stacey to have this opportunity," said Michigan State head coach Matt Weise. "She is an excellent coach and I am looking forward to seeing her develop the program at Boston University."
During her time at MSU, Rippetoe spent her first six seasons as an assistant coach and was then promoted to associate head coach prior to the 2007 season. In that position, Rippetoe served as both the novice coach and the primary recruiting coordinator for the green and white. Rippetoe was a true asset to the MSU rowing family during that time and was honored as the CRCA Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year in 2007.
Before joining the MSU crew program, Rippetoe spent three years serving as novice coach for the University of Rhode Island women's crew team. At Rhode Island, Rippetoe's duties included recruiting and coaching the beginning rowers, as well as assisting the head coach with the varsity squad.
Rippetoe also gained coaching experience as the associate coach of the Narragansett Boat Club during the summers of 1999 and 2000. She served as head coach of Navesink River Rowing from 1997-98 as well.
In addition to embracing her role with the MSU varsity squad, one of Rippetoe's most notable accomplishments at MSU is the "We Can Row" program that she helped launch in 2002.
"We Can Row" teaches breast cancer survivors how to row. The program is also a study to measure the value of exercise in breast cancer survivors. Lansing's chapter of "We Can Row" is home to the Pink Ribbon Crew team.
As part of the program, Rippetoe works with the Pink Ribbon Crew to emphasize goals that are centered on self-image enhancement and team support for women who are making the transition from being patients to being survivors. The focus is on developing a strong and healthy body, becoming an active participant in one's recovery from breast cancer, asserting control over one's body, rediscovering the joy of movement and playing a fundamental part in a mutually empowering recovery team. MSU student-athletes volunteered as coaches for this program.
An Oakhurst, N.J., native, Rippetoe earned her bachelor's degree in biological sciences in 1997 from Rutgers University, where her team finished sixth at the inaugural NCAA Championship. She earned her master's degree in kinesiology, with an emphasis in sports psychology, from Michigan State in 2006.
