Shawn Turner was named as the head coach for the Vassar men's and women's rowing teams in the summer of 2015. Turner spent the previous four seasons as the assistant men and women’s rowing coach at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. While there, Turner assisted in all aspects of both programs, including conducting daily practices, developing race lineups, recruiting and assisting with boat repair. He also has served as a voter on the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) Division III Poll.
Last season, Hamilton made its first NCAA Championships appearance on the women’s side, while also boasting two first-team All-American rowers. The women’s varsity eight ranked third in the final Division III Top 15 CRCA poll as well. During his time at Hamilton, Turner was also the head junior women’s coach at the Pennsylvania Athletic Club Rowing Association in Philadelphia, PA.
Turner served as an assistant coach for the US Rowing Jr. Men’s National Team in Lewiston, Maine in 2013, assisting intern coaches in coaching development while coaching small boat and ergometer workouts. Before his time at Hamilton, Turner was the freshman boy’s coach at Shenendehowa Crew Club in Clifton Park, NY in 2011, also working there from 1998-2000 as the head girl’s coach.
In addition, Turner has had coaching stints at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Crew Club (2004-05), Shaker Rowing Association (2003), as well as with Marina Aquatic Center Junior Crew (2000-03). He started his professional career in the summer of 1999 with the Burnt Hills Rowing Association in Rexford, New York.
A 2000 graduate from the University of Albany, Turner competed for the rowing team at Albany for four seasons. While a member of the Great Danes, Turner earned the Team Service Award twice, while serving as a Club Executive Board Member as well. On the water, he helped the novice men’s lightweight 8+ to a third-place finish at the Dad Vail Regatta.
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