An experienced leader with successful stops at multiple Division I institutions, Katie Thurstin has been named the 12th head coach in San Diego women's rowing history, USD Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Athletics Kimya Massey announced on Friday.
Thurstin joins the Toreros after spending the last four seasons serving as an assistant coach and recruiter for Iowa's women's rowing program, helping the program reach new heights. In her first season with the Hawkeyes in 2021, Thurstin helped lead the student-athletes to eight straight weeks of national poll recognition and four Big Ten Boat of the Week honors, as Iowa placed fifth in the highly competitive conference standings for the program's best finish since 2018.
"As we embarked on this national search, we had great discussions with numerous impressive candidates," Massey said. "It became apparent early on in the process that Katie's experience at multiple institutions would serve her well at USD. It was also very clear how much she cares for her athletes and how impactful the student-athlete experience is to her as a coach. Katie has elevated every program she's been a part of and her previous head coaching experience stood out throughout the process. Her vision for USD women's rowing fits perfectly with our goals of continuing to elevate our standard and competing for championships, both within the WCC and at the NCAA Championship level. I'm looking forward to welcoming Katie and her family to campus and watching the program thrive under her leadership."
Her tenure with Iowa featured numerous highlights for the program, including the team's Varsity 8+ and Varsity 4+ boats racing at the renowned Henley Royal Regatta as well as the team earning national poll votes for nine consecutive weeks in 2024. Thurstin led her crew to a second place finish at the 2024 Big Ten Championships, earning Iowa's first Big Ten medal.
Prior to her time at Iowa, Thurstin spent four seasons leading both the men's and women's rowing teams at Stetson University. During her tenure leading the Hatters' programs, Thurstin helped the women's team put together a third-place conference finish with all three of the team's boats advancing to the Grand Finals. On the men's side, the First Varsity 4+ crew earned a second place finish at the prestigious Dad Vail regatta in 2018, and the following year came in fifth place during their first appearance at the IRA National Championship, clinching a spot in the regatta's semifinals after winning their heat.
"I would like to thank Kimya Massey for the opportunity to join his staff and work under his leadership," Thurstin said. "The energy and excitement around Toreros athletics, and its future is palatable. I look forward to continuing to build and strengthen the rowing program. I would also like to thank Jacob Heuett and all the staff I had the opportunity to meet while I was on campus. My family and I are excited to move to a community known for growing the sport of rowing and meeting the alumni that helped build the culture. I am honored to be chosen to support and mentor the student-athletes at USD and be a part of the university's rich history."
Before accepting her position at Stetson, Thurstin served as the first assistant/novice coach at Drake University for four years and volunteered on Drake's Leadership and Education Committee. During this time she also worked as the head coach of the Des Moines Rowing Club. Thurstin's coaching career began during her time in Denver as she coached at the Rocky Mountain Rowing Club and helped found the University of Denver's club team.
A native of Eagan, Minnesota, Thurstin earned her degree in global studies from Minnesota in 2003, following graduation she spent four years as a policy associate with the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver before beginning her coaching journey.
Thurstin will be joined in San Diego by her spouse Kyle, their two children and their Pomeranian, Gabby.
