Letter From the Team President

Alan Saju '27

Over the last year, we took many strides across all aspects of the team, from training adjustments and equipment improvements to Institute changes and racing performance. Georgia Tech Rowing Club continues to build itself as a powerhouse of southeastern rowing as we prepare to start a season of training to show our might at Head of the Hooch this fall and the ACRA Championships next spring.

Last fall brought forth a historic moment as the Men’s Collegiate 4+ requalified at Head of the Charles for the first time in over five years. The team also made strides at Head of the Hooch by reaching the podium in multiple events. Last spring, the team exemplified the shift to focusing on the ACRA Championship as our pinnacle regatta by entering an unprecedented three Men’s 8+s and a 4+, and a Women’s 8+, 4+, 2x, and 2-; multiple boats reached the podium in B and C finals. The goal is to continue sending large volumes of athletes to ACRA and climbing the ranks. One of the biggest influences on better regatta results is our training plan, which was enhanced with an amazing spring break training trip.

Over six years in the making after a COVID-spoiled trip, the team finally visited Lake Lure, NC for spring break training. This was a pivotal moment in the spring training plan as the venue allowed for 12 full, uninterrupted practices, which was unheard of in recent years. Fruitful practices, paired with amazing team bonding moments, made for a memorable trip! This, of course, could not have been possible without the overwhelming support and generosity from our GTCA and our amazing parents!

The team has put itself on the map in multiple avenues within the rowing world. Our Atlanta Erg Sprints became a USRowing Indoor National Championship host site for the second year in a row, with multiple athletes medaling on the local and national levels. AES also pioneered a Coca-Cola sponsorship activation with assistance from the Georgia Tech Campus Recreation Center. At ACRA, some of our all-stars got recognition: Varsity Men’s Head Coach Tim Pierce was named All-Regions Southern ACRA Coach, and Varsity Men rower Connor Peterson made the All-Regions Southern ACRA Team. On the Institute side, GT Rowing is now officially considered a Departmental Program of the Campus Recreation Center, where we have implemented new team colors and uniforms to embrace our Georgia Tech identity!

On the equipment front, our newest shell will be dedicated this fall in honor of our team founder Debbie Permenter. Be sure to RSVP using the information below! Looking ahead, the team is searching for a Men’s shell to continue our process of cycling out Resolutes for Hudsons. Similarly, the team is on track to continue raising endowment funds to purchase a new trailer in the coming years, ensuring safe and reliable shell transport.

This semester we say heartfelt goodbyes to over 15 of our athletes and one of our coaches, Novice Women’s Assistant Coach Alli King. We wish them all the best of luck in their future endeavors! But with all endings come new beginnings, as we hire our recent graduate, Shrayes Upadhyayula, as the new Novice Men’s Head Coach. We can’t wait to see how he’ll impact the program!

I can’t end without a wholehearted thank you to all the friends of GT Crew whose contributions have made these projects, practices, and medals possible. Your continued support allows this team of dedicated athletes to train with passion and produce never-before-seen results against collegiate rowing programs nationwide. If you'd like to learn more about how to support the program or the impact of your contribution, don’t hesitate to email me at president@gtcrew.com or contribute to the GTCA endowment by following the directions at the end of this newsletter.

Coaching updates

We are excited to introduce the 2026 Coaching Staff!

Upcoming events

Donate To the endowment

Giving to the endowment today creates momentum to allow the program to thrive. Every dollar you give helps the team achieve competitive success in the following tangible ways:

Lake Lure Spring Training Trip:

The team successfully completed 12 sessions over 7 days without any practice cancellations at this pristine location. Training here, while slightly more expensive than locations in the past, was incredibly valuable towards buidling the speed that allowed for this year's Spring success. 

Fleet Management:

Per our five year plan, the team has reached its first benchmark in purchasing it's first shell, the Debbie Permenter, which was raced this year at ACRA nationals. 

Coaching Recruitment and Retention:

Success in rowing programs is built over many years and cycles, which can only occur when coaches stay for 5+ years. Supporting the endowment lets the team continue to offer our coaches competitive salaries and allows success to compound over time. 

When you give to the endowment, you are contributing to a community-centered perpetual gift to the program which gives it the flexibility to meet the needs of the day. With stewardship from alumni and advisors, the endowment has and continues to be leveraged to improve program strength and vault us ahead of our peer rowing programs. 

In 2027, the GTCA aims to:

• Continue to support the team as needed in executing another successful Spring Training Trip

• Turn over old inventory and help deliver a Men's 8+ to remain on track with our Five-Year fleet turnover plan. 

• Provide alumni engaging opportunities to connect with the wider GT Crew community

Ways to Give

1) By Credit Card

• Visit GTCA's Endowment Campaign through PayPal here to make a donation. Donating through here is tax-deductible and you'll receive a receipt upon donation. 

2) By Check

• Checks should be payable to "GTCA Charitable, Inc." with "GT Crew Endowment" on the memo line and mailed to PO BOX 550494 ATLANTA GA 30355-2994

3) By Donor Advised Fund

• GTCA Charitable's Tax ID Number: 45-1586583

• Address: PO BOX 550494 ATLANTA GA 30355-2994

4) By Will or Living Trust

• Please email janet.kinard@alumni.gatech.edu for instructions on how to make a gift by stock transfer or bank wire. 

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Follow the team and alumni organization on social media to receive the most up-to-date information on all things GT Crew!

• GT Crew Alumni Facebook Group: Join Here 

• GT Crew Alumni Instagram: Follow Here 

• GT Crew Alumni Mailer: Join Here

• GT Crew Instagram: Follow Here