Kate Sweeney Resigns As Ohio State Rowing Team Head Coach

Ohio State announced on Wednesday that rowing team head coach Kate Sweeney has resigned from her position after four seasons leading the program. A search for a new head coach has begun, according to the school. 

“I have made the difficult decision to step away from coaching to be more present for my family,” Sweeney said. “Ohio State rowing has been instrumental in my life since I was 18 years old. It has been a true privilege to be a part of this program for so long. 

“I am so grateful to Gene Smith and Janine Oman for this opportunity. All the assistant coaches and support staff have been incredibly supportive and excellent to work with, and I will miss spending time with them. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to thank the student-athletes for their devotion and contributions to Ohio State rowing.” 

Sweeney, a member of the 2011 Big Ten championship rowing team and 2012 Ohio State graduate, first joined the staff in 2016 as an assistant coach before later working her way up to head coach in 2020 after serving as an interim during the COVID-19-shortened season. 

Ohio State experienced a successful run under the guidance of Sweeney from 2020-24. She led her team to the NCAA championships in each of her four years at the helm while helping the Buckeyes secure their 10th-ever Big Ten title in 2022 as well as runner-up finishes in 2021 and 2023. She was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2022.

“We are so appreciative of Kate’s leadership and support of our rowing student-athletes,” said Janine Oman, Ohio State Senior Deputy Director of Athletics. “She has been a wonderful developer of young women. We wish Kate well as she embarks on her next journey, and we are excited that she can enjoy more time with her family.” 

Despite the resignation, Sweeney will still fulfill her obligation and finish out her final season leading the Buckeyes at the NCAA championship regatta held at Lake Bethel, Ohio, from May 31-June 2.