San Diego Athletics

Kevin Hinkle joined San Diego men's rowing in September of 2022 as an assistant coach.

"Coach Hinkle has been a part of multiple high-performance environments, fast boats, and successful team cultures," head coach Bart Thompson said of Hinkle. “He will bring a wealth of knowledge and racing experience, as well as an expectation of excellence. As good as he is as a rower and a coach, he is an even better person. I am grateful for his commitment to our program and can't wait to see all of the ways that he positively impacts our program."

Hinkle rowed at the University of Michigan, graduating in 2019 with a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. While there he was the stroke of the 1st Varsity Eight for two years, a two-time 1st Team American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA) All-American, stroked the Men's 8+ for the United States in Shanghai, China, at the World University Rowing Championships, and won three national titles and four Team Points trophies at the ACRA National Championships. 

After college, he continued his rowing career as a member of the Advanced Rowing Initiative of the Northeast (ARION), a pre-elite training group in Saratoga Springs, NY.

He then went overseas to row for Newcastle University in England, culminating at the Henley Royal Regatta this past summer, where his crew made it to the semi-finals in the Prince Albert Challenge Cup.

He also began coaching during his post-collegiate training, with stops at Washtenaw Rowing Center, Skyline High School, and Saratoga Rowing Association.

"I couldn't be more honored and humbled to have the opportunity to represent such a wonderful institution and team," said Hinkle. "USD is truly one-of-a-kind in my eyes in terms of the intangibles it has to offer to its scholar athletes and coaches. Coach Thompson's vision of success for this program is what drew me in, and I am so thankful to be working alongside such a high-character individual. I am excited to help raise the standard of excellence at USD to new heights, and above all I'm grateful to be wearing Torero Blue!"