Women's Rowing Adds Sam Durocher as Assistant Coach
9/15/2026 1:37:00 PM | Women's Rowing
SPOKANE, Wash. – Gonzaga women's rowing announced the addition of Sam Durocher to its coaching staff in September 2026.
Durocher comes to Spokane after beginning her coaching career with Cornell Rowing Club in the fall of 2024, where she served as head coach. In the role, she worked with rowers of all experience levels while helping interested athletes pursue walk-on opportunities with Cornell's varsity rowing programs.
During her first season, Durocher helped guide Cornell Rowing Club to its first medal at a registered regatta since the club's formation in 2017. The club earned a first-place finish in the Men's Novice/Frosh 4+ at the Head of the Fish Regatta in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Throughout her time with the program, Durocher emphasized collaboration, discipline and confidence while fostering a positive team environment.
Durocher also gained coaching experience with Cascadilla Boat Club in Ithaca, N.Y., where she led Learn to Row programs and provided private instruction to rowers of all ages and experience levels.
A 2026 graduate of Cornell University, Durocher earned her bachelor's degree in Environment & Sustainability. She competed with Cornell University women's rowing at the beginning of her freshman year.
Originally from Grand Rapids, Mich., Durocher attended City High/Middle School and competed for both Grand Rapids Rowing Club and Forest Hills Central Crew during her high school career.
