OUR COACHES

All of our coaches are certified by USRowing. Our coaches are committed to bringing excellence, leadership, and guidance to each athlete in their development. It is our job to push each athlete outside of their comfort zone, so they can achieve what they never thought was possible.

Tom Weber, Program Director and Head Coach

Tom began his rowing career in 1986 with the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) as a coxswain and single sculler. Nearly 4-decades later, Tom is a former member of the USRowing National Team, a certified Level 3 USRowing coach and a Level 2 USRowing Referee. He brings his high level training techniques to CYR to continue the success of the program. He has coached all age groups and categories (Middle School, High School, Collegiate, Masters and Para/Inclusive) with a combination of enthusiasm, focus, guidance and a touch of humor. He has helped start a number of rowing clubs in the state of Michigan, including The Huron High School Rowing Team and the Northern Michigan Rowing Club. Tom is committed to fostering the sport of rowing in Charlotte for all levels of rowers. We welcome him to CYR as the Head Coach and are excited to see the program continue to grow under his guidance.

Coach Lucy

Hi! I’m Coach Lucy. I rowed for CYR for 3 years in high school. I then went to Temple University for undergrad (and rowed for a short period of time) and then got my Masters in Speech Language Pathology at Vanderbilt. I now work for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools as a speech therapist. I started coaching at CYR last year, I look forward to continuing to coach and learn with the current rowers! I also row with Catawba Yacht Club masters team. In my free time I enjoy making and icing sugar cookies, watching IndyCar, and visiting National Parks!

Coach Rich

Richard Rabassa, Novice Program Head Coach, has been rowing for over 30 years, competing at the Head of the Hooch, the Head of the Charles, and regattas across the country. A graphic designer and video producer by profession, he is also a proud father of three, with two children active in the youth rowing program.

Coach Josh

Josh Reilly-Grimm rowed competitively for seven years, beginning at Charlotte Youth Rowing (2016–2019) and then four years at Purdue University (2019–2023). At Purdue, he gained experience across multiple boat classes, developed leadership both on and off the water, and competed at the collegiate level against top programs across the country.

After graduating from Purdue in 2023, Josh returned home to Charlotte to begin my career in Corporate Finance with Wells Fargo. Alongside my professional career, I’m passionate about giving back to the rowing community that shaped me. His coaching focuses on technique, nutrition, team culture, and helping young athletes build confidence on the water that carries into every area of life.

Dana Moyer, Assistant Coach

Coach Dana joins CYR in the fall of 2022. Moyer comes from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she rowed this past summer on a summer racing team. Moyer was on Saint Louis Crew team for four years while earning her bachelors degree. Moyer has her doctorate in Physical Therapy. She is currently also working in Charlotte as a Pediatric Physical Therapist.

Additional Coaching Staff

Byron "Doc" Walthall - Varsity Men's Coach
Nancy Teaff - Varsity Women's Coach
Matt Bartoldus - Varsity Assistant Coach
Celeste Knittle - Assistant Coach
Rhonda Sherman - Assistant Coach
Jacelyn Piccone - Assistant Coach
Joan Dalton - Assistant Middle School Coach
Manning Shaw - Assistant Middle School Coach

CYR cannot happen without all of our amazing Volunteer Coaches

Thank you!