SAN DIEGO — Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Athletics Kimya Massey announced today that San Diego women's rowing interim head coach Mark Lewis is stepping down from his position leading the USD program for personal reasons. 

"I'm very sad to step away from leading the team, as I've truly loved coaching this great group of young women," Lewis said. "I am confident the team is in very good hands, and I'll be following their progress keenly. Go Toreros!"

Lewis served as the interim head coach for the Toreros during the 2024-25 season and helped lead the San Diego program to a fifth place finish at the West Coast Conference Championships. Lewis' tenure included a pair of All-WCC Rowing Team selections and strong team performances at both the Triton and Oregon State Invite. 

"We are grateful to Mark for his leadership and commitment to our women's rowing program this past year," said USD Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Athletics Kimya Massey.  "He stepped up into this role in December and helped steady the ship during a time of uncertainty — and we'll always appreciate that. His depth of experience and passion for the sport were evident every day, and he played a key role in supporting our student-athletes and continuing the program's momentum. We wish him continued health and success in his next chapter."

The Torero women's rowing program has excelled during its time in the WCC, as the program picked up a second place finish at the WCC Championships in 2024 competing against strong crews from all over the Western United States. The team fields boats in some of the biggest events in the nation including the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston each fall, as well as the San Diego Crew Classic every spring in Mission Bay. 

A national search for the next San Diego women's rowing head coach will be launched immediately.