Amanda Callahan began her duties as Head Sailing Coach and Waterfront Coordinator in August of 2007. Since then, the Hawks have consistently been one of the top ten teams in College Sailing based on the Sailing World rankings. Under her coaching, Callahan has developed 30 ICSA All-Americans, earned 22 berths to ICSA National Championships, and won two national championships.
What are your goals for the team this year?
Our goal every year is to compete at the highest level of College Sailing. But after graduating eight seniors and most of our starting teams this past spring, we are looking to rebuild this year. We’ve got a boat-load (pun intended) of very talented freshmen coming in. Our specific goals this Fall will be integrating them into the team, getting them up to speed, keeping new and returning egos in check, and working on the whole new team dynamic which I expect will be very different from the last few years.
What makes you excited to come to work each day?
This new group of sailors has me pumped up to come to work each day. Every new school year presents new opportunities and challenges–that’s what makes this job fun. Every day is different.
How has donor support helped you and your program?
So many ways!! Obviously – the Bready Sailing Center was a huge game changer for us! Over the years, our friends, families, and alumni have helped us purchase new fleets of boats, new sails, they have donated powerboats–all of these things have helped us compete at the highest level. Some folks send donation for gear so that the team can not only perform well, but also look good at the same time! Additionally, folks have supported our team dinners and excursions, which help with team building and is also so important.
Our next big project, as many know, is the dock improvement. I very much look forward to the day when we don’t have to shuttle back and forth to the floating dock.
What can alums do to help your program in addition to financial support?
Last year we had over 25 alumni come back to check out practice or get in boats with our current team. This has been especially helpful during team racing season. Tyler Wilson hand-made us a corn hole game for the Sailing Center; thoughtful gifts like that are amazing. Cary Siegler just donated some vinyl stickers from his company to pump up the vibe in the locker room and on the coach boats. Frequently, we need help running home regattas. Alumni can help our seniors network as they near graduation and the work force. Last, but not least, they can always help us with recruiting! Send all the passionate sailors in your area or yacht club to come check out our program!
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