Head Coach : Estel Boix Noguer
headcoach@ucdrowing.com
Estel (he/they) started rowing at 12 thanks to his older brother, who was an athlete at the local rowing club. Born and raised in Banyoles (Spain), E quickly fell in love with the sport. Their hard work paid off; he represented Spain in several European and World Rowing Championships.
They later decided they wanted to take school more seriously, which ended up giving them a chance to study and row for Sacramento State (2017-2021).
Later on, they found their passion for coaching while working at a Summer Camp at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. In 2019, he then decided to apply for a coaching position at River City Rowing Club, where he still coaches his beloved men's masters team as well as some camps and private lessons.
Estel is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and for making sports spaces more inclusive to anyone who'd like to play sports.
“Rowing has changed the lives of so many people. It is a wonderful sport that can help you grow so much. As a coach, I believe that is fundamental to create a safe space where everyone is welcomed. It is a gift that we have access to this sport, where both body and mind are connected to achieve the best versions of ourselves.
Throughout my career, I have learned how important technique is. It is not all about the quantity of work, but rather its quality. An underdog can become a good, competitive rower if they are willing to learn how to feel a boat.
I am really excited to be part of the UCD women’s team; I really hope this is a positive, fun experience for all folks involved. Go Aggies! ”
Head Coach: Holly Hopkins
headcoach@ucdrowing.com
Holly grew up in Davis, CA, and graduated from CSU Sacramento in 2011 with a B.S. in Kinesiology, Exercise Science. While at Sac State she was a four year member of the Women's Rowing team, rowing three and a half of those years in the Varsity 8+. After a few years away from rowing, she got back on the water with a masters team and was quickly pulled back into the sport; in 2015 she began coaching the Middle School Rowing program at River City Rowing Club, UCD's neighbor at the Port of West Sac, and since 2016 she has been RCRC's Assistant Director.
“Powering a boat across the water with your team is beautiful and demanding. The team is what keeps me engaged in the sport - it inspires challenging, meaningful, personal and team goals, then supports each athlete to develop both personally and athletically in pursuit of those goals. I am excited to join the UCD coaches and be part of that support team for our experienced and new athletes.”
Assistant Coach: Sophie Allen
asstcoach@ucdrowing.com
Sophie graduated from UC Davis in 2023 with degrees in Ecology and Wildlife Biology. As a freshman looking to try something new, she joined the rowing team and quickly fell in love with the team and the sport. She was a four year member of the team and served as Vice President and President in her junior and senior years respectively. Despite losing her first two racing seasons to COVID, her rowing highlights include a National grand finals finish in the V8+ in 2022, a Regional Championship win in the 2- in 2023, and four years of making lifelong friends through the community the team has built. Aside from Assistant Coaching, Sophie works in the entomology department at UCD.
Assistant Coach: Maisey Rew
asstcoach2@ucdrowing.com
Maisey is from Orangevale, CA and graduated from UC Davis in 2023 with a degree in Environmental Science and Management. As a freshman she joined the rowing team and quickly fell in love with the team and the sport. She was a four year member of the team and served as Fundraiser and Travel Coordinator in her junior and senior years respectively. Despite losing her first two racing seasons to COVID, her rowing highlights include a National grand finals finish in the V8+ in 2022 and a Regional Championship win in the 2- in 2023. Rowing has allowed her to make lifelong friends through the sport and team community. She is excited to introduce new people to the great sport!