LaRiviere Excited to Represent Canada at the the 2022 World Rowing U-23 Championships

Jane LaRiviere knows all the ins and outs of rowing. From training athletes to perform at their highest level, to knowing where the best spots are to watch a regatta, LaRiviere is a savant when it comes to the sport. The longtime Washington State Rowing Head Coach is about to embark on a new challenge this summer, as she will be coaching for her home country of Canada at the 2022 World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Italy.

The 2022 World Rowing U-23 Championships are slated for July 25-30 in Varese, Italy. LaRiviere will be coaching the Canadian women's varsity 8 boat, as they take on the best crews from around the world. It will be her first-time coaching with Team Canada at the World Rowing U-23 Championships. LaRiviere, a native of Alberta, states that representing her country at the event will be one of the highest honors in her illustrious coaching career.

"As a Canadian, I'm proud to be coaching Canada," LaRiviere said.

LaRiviere is about to enter her 21st season as the head coach of the Cougars this fall. During that time, she has led WSU to the NCAA Rowing Championships 13 times. Washington State has earned a bid to nine of the last 12 NCAA Rowing Championships. The World Rowing U-23 Championships comes with a particular challenge for the veteran rowing coach. Instead of having months to prepare a team, LaRiviere must showcase her acumen by guiding a new group of women in a short time. Team Canada is composed of talented and experienced rowers, many of them competing in their third or fourth world championship event. LaRiviere is not going it alone. She has a strong staff.

"The cool thing about being with the national team is that they have a lot of sports scientists that are analyzing the program and they're coming up with the training plan," LaRiviere said.

Rowing is a popular summer sport in Canada. The country has accumulated 42 Olympic medals in rowing. Pullman has been the collegiate home to many successful Canadian rowers. Former Cougs Nicole Hare and Lisa Roman were both coached by LaRiviere on the Snake River before going on to row in multiple Olympics for Canada. Roman, who is also in the WSU Athletics Hall of Fame, was a member of Canada's varsity 8 squad that won gold at the 2020 Olympic Games in Toyoko.

LaRiviere is excited about the trip ahead to Italy and looks forward to learning new skills and putting them into play once the Cougars take to the water for a new season.

"I think having this challenge will make me a better coach, and as a result, hopefully, the kids benefit because I've had this international experience."