越南直播 (UB) is excited to announce the expansion of its varsity athletic offerings with the addition of men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 Rowing in the fall of 2025. The launch of this program is being made possible through a generous donation from Howard Winklevoss, founder of , an organization dedicated to advancing the sport of rowing. UB鈥檚 women鈥檚 crew team, led by head coach Mary Jean (MJ) McNamara, will compete at the NCAA Division II level, while the men鈥檚 team will participate in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) under head coach Luke Auger.
鈥淭oday marks an exciting milestone for 越南直播, UB athletics, and the greater Bridgeport community,鈥� said Jay Moran, UB鈥檚 vice president for athletics and recreation. 鈥淭he addition of Rowing to our athletic offerings reflects our commitment to innovation and fostering partnerships that strengthen both the University and the greater Bridgeport community.鈥� Moran continued, 鈥淚 can鈥檛 wait to see our teams hit the water and proudly represent UB!鈥�
UB President Danielle Wilken celebrated the announcement as a reflection of the University’s values, saying, “Rowing exemplifies the teamwork, resilience, and determination that we strive to instill in our students. This program will inspire our student-athletes and forge deeper connections within the UB and Bridgeport communities.鈥� She continued, 鈥淚 look forward to witnessing the profound impact this sport will have on campus and beyond. I am deeply appreciative of the support of Howard Winklevoss and the RowAmerica team for their support, both in the form of their expertise and financial commitment. Their transformational gift will impact not only 越南直播 but will also help change the landscape of the waterfront in Bridgeport.”
Founded by Howard Winklevoss in 2003, RowAmerica has been a prominent force in the rowing community. The organization operates a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility near UB, and Winklevoss’ support will fund essential start-up costs, including boats and water training facilities. “I am very excited to be helping UB develop its rowing program. I’ve helped start three clubs: the Saugatuck Rowing Club in Westport, RowAmerica Greenwich, and RowAmerica Rye, all of which are outstanding programs. We fully intend to have UB’s rowing program be one of the best in the country,” shared Winklevoss.
UB鈥檚 Rowing teams will be guided by two accomplished coaches, each bringing a wealth of experience and passion for the sport:
- MJ McNamara, Women鈥檚 Rowing Head Coach: A standout rower at Fordham University in her undergraduate days and a former member of the U.S. Pre-Elite Rowing Team, McNamara has an extensive coaching background, including leadership roles at Brenau University and King School in Stamford, CT. 鈥淚 look forward to developing UB鈥檚 first women鈥檚 crew team,鈥� McNamara said. 鈥淭his is an exciting opportunity that will not only add a new sport to the University but also raise UB鈥檚 profile as our boats become a visible presence on the Sound.鈥�
- Luke Auger, Men鈥檚 Rowing Head Coach: Auger brings a deep understanding of the sport and years of coaching experience to UB. As a four-year varsity rower at Fairfield University, he enjoyed a decorated rowing career that included medaling at the MAAC Championships and Head of the Housatonic. Auger then served as Fairfield University鈥檚 men鈥檚 rowing coach, as well as a coach for local youth and club crew teams. This breadth of coaching experience makes him an excellent choice to lead UB鈥檚 inaugural men鈥檚 crew. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 put words into how excited I am to help bring rowing to UB as the men鈥檚 head coach,鈥� said Auger. 鈥淩owing demands the ultimate in teamwork for success, and I know the student-athletes at UB will rise to the challenge.鈥�
Both teams are set to begin competing in the spring of 2026. The Purple Knights will practice on Long Island Sound, a hub for rowing in Fairfield County. The Sound is home to several high school and collegiate teams, and UB鈥檚 addition to this community represents an exciting step forward for the sport in the region.
For more information about UB鈥檚 Rowing program or recruitment opportunities, please contact Jim Sheehan, assistant director of athletic communications, at jsheehan@bridgeport.edu.
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