CAMDEN — Megunticook Rowing, a nonprofit community rowing program serving Midcoast Maine, has hired Anna Goodale as its first executive director.

Goodale has a 20-year history in the rowing world. A former Division I and All American rower at Syracuse University, she spent six years as a U.S. National Team rower, winning Olympic Gold in the Women’s 8+ in Beijing in 2008, four World Championships, and three gold medals at the head of the Charles Regatta.

She also has three years experience as a leadership camp rowing coach, one year as an assistant coach at Gonzaga University, and most recently, four years as head novice coach at Ohio State University.

In addition to this level of rowing and coaching expertise, Goodale has significant skill and experience in the administration and management of rowing programs. She will also serve in the capacity of head coach.

Prior to hiring Goodale, Megunticook Rowing was managed entirely by volunteers and coached by a combination of professional and volunteer coaching staff. Goodale will work closely with current volunteer managers and coaching staff as the organization transitions to professional management.

“Megunticook Rowing is thrilled to begin its next chapter with Anna at the helm,” according to a news release.

Originally from the Midcoast, Goodale has recently returned to the community and resides in Camden with her husband, Wes, and sons, Avery and Owen.

Founded in 2008 by a group of local rowers and coaches, Megunticook Rowing began with a dozen high school rowers and has grown over the last decade to a program of more than one hundred rowers ranging in age from eleven to 80.

2019 in particular has been a year of remarkable change at Megunticook Rowing, according to Rowing. With the largest crew of Youth rowers to date, 51 rowers in the Spring of 2019, the organization launched a new program geared toward middle school children.

In May, Megunticook Rowing hosted the Maine Youth Rowing Association Regatta on Chickawaukee Pond, an event which drew more than 200 high school age rowers from across Maine, and more than 400 spectators.

In June a free introductory rowing program for adults was launched, followed by a new instructional sweep rowing and sculling program for masters. This drew almost 50 adult rowers.

The summer Learn to Row and recreational rowing programs enjoyed the busiest summer to date.

This fall Megunticook Rowing's youth competitive and middle school club programs had 40 rowers and had competitive rows in three regattas.

Finally, Megunticook Rowing sent a girls 8+, a boy’s 8+, and a masters 8+ to compete in the world famous Head of the Charles Regatta in mid-October.

To support, become involved, and row with Megunticook Rowing, visit megunticookrowing.org.

To learn more about Anna Goodale, click here.