PODCAST · sports
At The Thousand Podcast
by Kevin Leslie | At The Thousand
Kevin Leslie talks with college coaches, Olympic athletes, performance experts, and other influential voices in rowing to help athletes truly learn from the best, evolve their training, and be better positioned for long term success!
Episodes
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112: Ted Benford | Executive Director at CRI - Leadership Focused on Growth Through Rowing at CRI
In this episode, Ted Benford, the Executive Director at Community Rowing Inc, dives into the mission of CRI as a community-focused organization that helps thousands of athletes all over Boston grow through rowing, creating equal rowing opportunities within a boathouse that manages athletes of all...
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111: Brendan Mulvey | Head of the Charles Director of Racing - Behind the Scenes of "The Charles"
In this episode, Brendan Mulvey, the Director of Racing for the Head of the Charles Regatta, gives us a behind the curtain look into of one of the major events in all of rowing, from the non-negotiables, to the selection process, and to the future impact the regatta will continue to have on…
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110: Why Fall Erg Tests Should Matter as Much as 2k for College Recruiting
In this episode, Kevin dives into the importance of fall testing as it relates to college recruiting, and why high school rowers should not discount the value of their 5k score because college coaches look at it. Key Takeaways: Importance of Fall Tests -.The correlation between fall tests and 2k...
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109: Molly Bruggeman | 2024 Olympian - A Resilient Path to the 2024 Olympics Centered on Having Fun
In this episode, Molly Bruggeman, 2024 Olympian in the USA Women’s Eight and 2026 World Champion in the Coxless Four, dives into her path from a small club in Ohio, to a scholarship to Notre Dame, to what it took to finally make the Olympics in 2024 after a almost a decade on the national team!…
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108: Mari Sundbo | Ohio State University - Inside Recruiting at a Big 10 Women’s Rowing Power
In this episode, Mari Sundbo, Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Ohio State University Women’s Rowing Program, dives into recruiting for an elite Division 1 program, the different categories of prospects, and the timeline for athletes to make their decision. Key Takeaways…
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107: Paul Bugenhagen | William Smith College - Building a Division 3 Power via Culture and Ownership
In this episode, Paul Bugenhagen, Head Coach for the William Smith College Women’s Rowing Program and Director of Rowing at Hobart and and William Smith Colleges, dives into the podium finish for William Smith at this year’s national championship, the systematic approach to building their…
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106: Ian Accomando | Harvard University - Inside Recruiting for the Three-Peat Lightweight Champions
In this episode, Ian Accomando, Associate Head Coach for the Harvard University Men’s Lightweight Rowing Program, dives into the current dynasty that is the Harvard 150s, the competitiveness of the recruiting process, and the criteria they use to build a championship culture. Key Takeaways:...
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105: Better Preparing for Fall Testing By Maximizing the Erg in August
In this episode, Kevin dives into how high school and college rowers should approach their training in the final month of summer, reacclimating to the erg, all to ensure they are best prepared to maximize their fall tests and hit the ground running in September. Key Takeaways: Training Balance -...
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104: Kendall Chase | MIT & 2020 Olympian - Inside Recruiting for MIT and Why Elite Academics are Key
In this episode, Kendall Chase, Assistant Coach for MIT Women’s Lightweight Rowing and 2020 USA Olympian, dives into everything you need to know about the MIT recruiting process, the importance of their admissions criteria, and the process to increase your chances of acceptance! Key Takeaways…
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103: Connor Walters | Syracuse University - Inside Recruiting for a Top 10 IRA Rowing Program
In this episode, Connor Walters, Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Syracuse University Men’s Rowing Program, dives into everything Syracuse rowing and recruiting, from their athletic standards, to the timeline, and everything else you need to know! Key Takeaways: Syracuse...
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102: Crushing the Erg in July and How We’ve Created a Culture Centered on Embracing Training
In this episode, Kevin dives into the halfway point of the summer, and what has worked for him and his team of 12 high school rowers as they crush the erg, become more capable athletes, and embrace the pursuit of “undeniable fitness”. Key Takeaways: Athlete First, Rower Second - Why balanced,...
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101: Kevin MacDermott | Trinity College - Back-to-Back Championship Culture Starts with the Standard
In this episode, Kevin MacDermott, Head Coach for the 2026 D3 National Champion Trinity College Men’s Rowing Program, dives into their upcoming trip to Henley, the competitiveness of IRA Division 3 rowing, and the culture they have established at Trinity that has lead to their success with back…
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100: Celebrating Episode 100 with Advice to Aspiring College Rowers from Past Guests
In this episode, Kevin celebrates the milestone 100th episode of the At The Thousand Podcast, by breaking down advice from six past guests on the show. Tune in and hear what some of the best coaches in rowing have to say for aspiring college rowers! Key Takeaways: The 100th Episode - Hitting the...
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099: Luke Wilhelm | Sacred Heart University - A New Era with Adding Men’s Rowing and a New Boathouse
In this episode, Luke Wilhelm, Head Coach for the Sacred Heart University Women’s Rowing Program, announces the beginnings of a new era for Sacred Heart Rowing, as they come off their highest finish in the conference for the women’s program, the inaugural season for lightweight women’s rowing…
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098: Delaney McGuire #10 | What Rising Juniors Need To Know About Their First Summer of Recruiting
In this episode, Delaney McGuire of Eastern Michigan University and Kevin dive into what rising juniors should expect on and after June 15th, why some recruits will not be immediately contacted, and how to manage expectations in the beginning of recruiting. Key Takeaways: What June 15th Means to...
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097: Kicking Off Recruiting with 6 Tips for Rising Juniors to do Before June 15th
In this episode, Kevin dives into the upcoming start to recruiting on June 15th for rising juniors, what athletes and parents can do now to better prepare for the recruiting journey, and the importance of being proactive, while not getting overwhelmed, so you are best positioned for success. Key...
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096: Beau Hoopman | University of Wisconsin & Olympic Champion - 150 Years of the Wisconsin Way
In this episode, Beau Hoopman, Head Coach for the University of Wisconsin Men’s Rowing Program and 2004 Olympic Champion, dives into what makes Wisconsin rowing different, it’s 150 years of rowing success, recruiting walk-ons as the center of program, and what it takes to compete for an IRA Grand...
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095: Kumari Lewis | University of Alabama - Building a Power in the SEC as a First Time Head Coach
In this episode, Kumari Lewis, Head Coach for the University of Alabama Women’s Rowing Program, dives into her first year leading Alabama, the transition from Ivy League success to the newfound resources of an SEC program, and the journey to insert another SEC power into the mix at the NCAA...
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094: Gary Caldwell | Retired IRA Commissioner - The Future of Men’s College Rowing
In this episode, Gary Caldwell, retired Commissioner of the Intercollegiate Rowing Association for over 25 years, dives into the formation of the present day IRA, the current state of men’s college rowing, and how programs and coaches should approach the current landscape in college athletics.…
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093: Stacey Rippetoe | Michigan State University - Returning to MSU and Competing in BIG 10 Rowing
In this episode, Stacey Rippetoe, Head Coach for the Michigan State University Women’s Rowing Program, dives into her return to Michigan State, now as Head Coach, the competitiveness of the BIG 10 and what it takes to compete at that level, and MSU’s interest in finding recruits with and without...
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092: Why Narrowing Your List Too Early Can Negatively Impact Your Recruiting Journey
In this episode, Kevin dives into why aspiring college rowers should consider starting broad in their college rowing recruiting journey, with a strong emphasis on discovery and comparison, and the negative consequences that can arise by narrowing your college search too early. Key Takeaways:...
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091: Kit Bennett #3 | Executive Director - Scholastic Rowing and Fundraising for Livable Coaches Pay
In this episode, Kit Bennett, Executive Director and Head Coach for both Skyline Crew and the Washtenaw Rowing Center, dives deep into the trends he is seeing in scholastic rowing, both regionally and nationally, and the importance of fundraising for survival and to hit program pillars that drive...
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090: Mary Foster | Boston University - Women’s Lightweight Rowing and Recruiting for D1 Lightweights
In this episode, Mary Foster, Head Coach for the Boston University Women’s Lightweight Rowing Program, dives into everything women’s lightweight rowing, and what it takes to get recruiting and compete at a top lightweight rowing program. Key Takeaways: Evolution of Lightweight - The differences...
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089: Why Rowers NEED to Erg and Lift in the Spring for 2k Success and The Best Ways to Do It
In this episode, Kevin dives into the importance for rowers to continue erg and strength training throughout the spring season to maintain fitness and continue 2k progress, and how to add them both into your routine while also balancing the spring season. Key Takeaways: Training Approach - Why a...
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088: Lisa Lowe | Physical Therapist - Overcoming the Common Injuries in Rowing to Perform Long Term
In this episode Lisa Lowe, Doctor of Physical Therapist and former competitive rower, dives into her specialty of helping rowers stay physically healthy and navigate the path back to the water after experiencing many of the common injuries in rowing. Key Takeaways: Managing Athletes Through…
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087: Paula Thoms | Williams College - The D3 Balance of Great Rowing and Developing the Whole Person
In this episode, Paula Thoms, Head Coach for the Williams College Women’s Rowing Program, dives into her unique journey of moving from coaching D1 to D3, the advantages the D3 model as it relates to development of the student-athlete, and what is takes to succeed at a competitive academic school...
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086: The 3 Questions College Coaches Use to Predict FUTURE VALUE for Recruits
In this episode, Kevin dives into the three questions college rowing coaches are asking themselves as they assess the future value of an aspiring college rower, and whether or not they should invest in adding them to their program. Key Takeaways: Workload of D1 Rowing - Why college coaches want…
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085: David Schary | Sports Psychology - Training Mental Performance and Overcoming 2K Test Struggles
In this episode David Schary, Mental Performance Consultant for rowers and Sports Psychology Professor at Winthrop University, dives deep into why athletes struggle mentally with 2k testing, how to train the brain for 2k performances, and actionable steps coaches and athletes can take to overcome...
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084: Anna Jensen | 3x NCAA Champion at Texas - From Multi-Sport Athlete to Multiple Time Champion
In this episode, Anna Jensen, 3-time NCAA Champion at Texas and 2x U23 World Champion, dives into her journey from standout swimmer and runner, to discovering rowing late, to being recruited to Texas, and ultimately taking her skills developed from being a multi-sport athlete into winning three...
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083: Delaney McGuire #9 | Navigating D1 Recruiting, Winter Training Success, Fear of Failure
In this episode, Delaney McGuire of Eastern Michigan University and Kevin dive into the different tiers within D1 rowing and how athletes should approach the college recruiting process, and how to best position yourself to maximize this winter season! Key Takeaways: Different Calibers of D1 -...
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082: The Work Below The Surface of 2K Performances
In this episode, Kevin dives into all the work that goes into a 2K test, and why athletes often fall victim to seeking shortcuts that don’t exist. We are talking about the training, technique, mental resiliency, and time required to perform our best on a 2k. Key Takeaways: 3 Pillars of Fitness -...
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081: What Are College Coaches ACTUALLY Looking For In D1 Rowing Recruits?
In this episode, Kevin dives into college recruiting and what college coaches are actually looking for in the recruiting process, purely from an athletic standpoint. These six attributes are used by coaches to evaluate the potential upside of a future college rower and how they may add value to...
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080: End of 2025. Top 5 Episodes and “Accept That The Path Will Be Messy.”
In this episode, Kevin closes out the year by sharing the top 5 episodes of 2025, and his approach for athletes on how to reframe handling adversity and learning how to move forward regardless of what obstacles are ahead. Key Takeaways: Top 5 Episodes - The top 5 most played episodes of 2025, and...
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079: Blake Gourley | Rowing Strength - Why All Rowers Need Strength Training, But More Isn’t Better
In this episode, Blake Gourley, Strength and Conditioning Coach and Founder of Rowing Strength, dives into the importance of strength training for rowers, tips for incorporating resistance training into your program, and misconceptions surrounding strength for performance. Key Takeaways: Why…
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078: Luke McGee | Syracuse University - Why Culture is the Foundation and Finding the Right Fit
In this episode, Luke McGee, Head Coach for the Syracuse University Women’s Rowing Program, dives into his unique career as an athlete and coach of top men’s programs, including the US Men’s 8+, then taking those experiences with him to the women's rowing program at Syracuse, building a top NCAA...
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077: Maximize Winter and Improve Erg Performance with 6 Keys to Success
In this episode, Kevin dives deep into the top things athletes need to focus on in order to maximize the winter off-season and come out faster, both on the erg and in preparation for the spring.. Key Takeaways: Embrace the Erg - Why athletes need to decide to embrace the erg and reframe their...
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076: 3 Keys Rowers Need To Know for 2K Testing To NOT Set Yourself Up for Failure
In this episode, Kevin dives deep into 2K performances, and how to set athletes up for success by setting realistic expectations, trusting the numbers, and prioritizing execution. Follow these three keys and position yourself for a big PR this off-season. Key Takeaways: Set Realistic Expectations…
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075: Katy Ruderman | Bucknell University - Division 1 Rowing and What It Takes to Get Recruited
In this episode, Katy Ruderman, Head Coach for the Bucknell University Women’s Rowing Program, dives into Division 1 recruiting, what athletes should be aware of in the college process, and what it takes to be a successful Division 1 rower. Key Takeaways: D1 Rowing - What athletes should know…
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074: The 3 Truths of the College Rowing Recruiting Process… D1 Is NOT For Everyone.
In this episode, Kevin dives deep into three key “truths” high school rowers, and their parents, should understand as they navigate the college rowing recruiting process. These considerations will save time, money, stress, and energy as athletes go about the process with clarity and find the…
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073: Delaney McGuire #8 | Experiencing Mental Blocks with 2K Testing and How To Power Through Them
In this episode, Coach Delaney and Kevin dive into the mental side of performing on a 2000 meter test, why rowers struggle to execute on them, and strategies to overcome “performance anxiety”. Key Takeaways: 2k “Anxiety” - Why athletes struggle to maintain splits that they know they can sustain,...
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072: Greg Myhr | Marietta College - The Value of Consistent Hard Work and Erg Toughness
In this episode, Greg Myhr, Head Coach for the Marietta College Men’s Rowing Programs, dives into his mentality developed coaching at Wisconsin, the importance of consistent hard work and not looking for the easy way, and how to build toughness on the erg. Key Takeaways: Wisconsin Rowing - How...
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071: Peter Steenstra | Bates College - Building Winning Cultures for Both Men’s and Women’s Rowing
In this episode, Peter Steenstra, Head Coach for the Bates College Men’s and Women’s Rowing Programs, dives into how to build successful programs for two teams simultaneously, the importance of safety when managing a large team, and how they attract a massive freshmen class to both programs. Key...
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070: Gregg Hartsuff | University of Michigan - Successful Club Programs and The History of ACRA Rowing
In this episode, Gregg Hartsuff, Head Coach for the University of Michigan Men’s Club Rowing Program, dives into the differences between coach-led clubs from student-led clubs, why flourishing alumni bases drive a program, and the formation of ACRA’s into a top tier national championship! Key...
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069: John Graves | Dartmouth College - Finding Long Term Success As a D1 Rower and Athletic “Range”
In this episode, John Graves, Head Coach for the Dartmouth College Women’s Rowing Program, dives into athletic versatility and why rowers should play multiple sports in high school, the value of small boats in college rowing, and what he looks for in aspiring Division 1 rowers at an Ivy League...
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068: Justin Price | Rutgers University - Winning Henley and Building a Top 10 NCAA Rowing Program
In this episode, Justin Price, Head Coach for the Rutgers University Women’s Rowing Program, dives into the experience of winning the Island Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta, growing Rutgers into a top 10 NCAA program, and what it takes to compete for a top Division 1 rowing program! Key...
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067: How To Successfully Complete Erg Workouts When Training Alone
In this episode, Kevin dives into 6 tips for consistent erg training to maximize August and head into the fall rowing season feeling prepared to move forward. Focusing on consistency over intensity, this advice will help any rower be more successful with their individual training. Key Takeaways:...
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066: Martin Stone | University of Notre Dame - Recruiting and The Attributes of College Rowers
In this episode, Martin Stone, Head Coach for the University of Notre Dame Women’s Rowing Program, dives into college recruiting, what coaches look for in recruits, and the evolution of women’s rowing through his 25+ year experience leading the Notre Dame program! Key Takeaways: Life as a College...
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065: Nate Clark #2 | Trinity College - The Experience of Winning the 2025 D3 National Championship
In this episode, Nate Clark, Assistant Coach for the Trinity College Men’s Rowing Program, returns for round 2 on the podcast to share the experience of Trinity winning the 2025 Varsity 8+ National Championship, what it took to get there, and the process for retooling for a repeat in 2026! Key...
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064: Creating a Training Program That Sets You Up For Long Term Success
In this episode, Kevin discusses his process for creating a training program for high school and college rowers that is both effective in helping us become faster rowers, but also sustainable. We only have so much time to dedicate to training, and this podcast will help you maximize your…
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063: Delaney McGuire #7 | Summer Training and How To Return Ready In The Fall
In this episode, Coach Delaney and Kevin dive into the importance of summer training, the right approaches for incorporating the erg into your summer, and returning to your rowing program prepared for your fastest fall season! Key Takeaways: Importance of the Erg - Erg standards for the fall, and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Kevin Leslie talks with college coaches, Olympic athletes, performance experts, and other influential voices in rowing to help athletes truly learn from the best, evolve their training, and be better positioned for long term success!
HOSTED BY
Kevin Leslie | At The Thousand
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