Aug. 19, 2010

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - A native of New Zealand, Simon Hoadley brings to us over 15 years of rowing, coaching, and sports administration experience.

"Simon brings a wealth of experience from nearly every level of rowing," said head coach Kim Cupini. "His New Zealand and Australian background offers a unique perspective to the rest of our staff and student athletes."

Most recently Simon was the Head Coach and Director of Rowing for Sydney Boys High School in Australia. He led his team to a first place finish at the New South Wales Combined High School Championships, and an eighth place finish at the AAGPS Head of the River.

Prior to that, Simon coached at the Junior, Club, and Collegiate level for over 10 years. This included stints with The University of Waikato and University of Canterbury, as well the Head Coach of the U18 North Island Representative Team and at the Waikato Diocesan for Girls in NZ. Simon also began coaching adaptive and Masters rowing at Mosman Rowing Club in Australia, where he worked alongside Nick Garratt, the Australian Women's Coach at the Beijing Olympics.

A graduate of the University of Canterbury in New Zealand with a Masters in Engineering Management, Simon competed for the Varsity Rowing Team for five years, winning National Championships with them in 1999 and 2000. He was also selected to the NZ University Team in 1997, 1999 and 2000.

Simon started his rowing career at Wanganui Collegiate School, winning the National High School 4x Title, and finished at the Auckland Regional Performance Center winning the National Open Quad Title.

With the addition of Simon to the staff, Andria Shook becomes the graduate assistant while she pursues a post-graduate degree at USD. She will remain on staff and carry out most of the same duties that she performed last year.

"I have been impressed by Simon already and cannot wait to begin this season with an unbelievable staff," said Cupini.