2 April 2025

USRowing announces in a press release that Fiona Bourke of New Zealand is the new High Performance Sculling Coach.

Olympian Fiona Bourke will join the USRowing’s High Performance team as the High Performance Sculling Coach. Bourke brings a wealth of experience and outstanding results both as an athlete and a coach in international competitions. She joins USRowing after working with Rowing New Zealand for more than five years as their International Pathway Lead, where she has been instrumental in helping develop New Zealand’s talent, resulting in multiple medals at the U23 world championships. 

Bourke previously worked at Harvard/Radcliffe. She has a strong understanding of the U.S. collegiate rowing system and over 12 years of experience mentoring emerging talent. Her focus on the whole athlete and their well-being aligns with Josy Verdonkschot’s vision for the national team and the long-term success of the athletes. 

“I’m excited to join the coaching staff at USRowing as the High Performance Sculling Coach,” said Fiona Bourke. “It’s an honor to contribute to the mission of creating a sustainable, athlete-centered, coach-driven, and service-supported high performance program. USRowing has a rich history of success, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented athletes, coaches, and staff across the American rowing community to elevate sculling on the international stage.” 

Bourke was a World Champion in the double sculls in 2014 and finished seventh in the quadruple sculls at the 2012 Olympics. She earned bronze and then silver respectively at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships. In 2014, she also won the Māori Sportswoman of the Year Award – an honor bestowed upon Māori women for their outstanding achievements and contributions to sport. 

“I am excited Fiona is joining USRowing,” said Josy Verdonkschot, The McLane Family Chief High Performance Officer. “Her background and experience, together with her knowledge of the American system in her previous roles with Harvard/Radcliffe and Rowing NZ, make her an ideal addition to our High Performance coaching team.”

Bourke’s rowing and coaching career has a proven track record of success in small boats, and her knowledge and experience will help improve the level of sculling on the national team. She will join the Olympic coaching staff in May at the first Selection Camp in Sarasota, Florida.