Scott Charette
Lead Juniors Coach and Masters Coach
Why I coach: “Since discovering the sport at Orange Coast College, it has had such a positive impact on my life, I owe it to the sport to pass that experience on to as many people as possible. Trying to make boats go fast, and the life lessons learned in that pursuit, keeps me coming back for more!”
Scott’s collegiate rowing career began at Orange Coast College and finished at Long Beach State University. While trying to make the lightweight national team, he began his coaching career at Long Beach State. His novice crews earned wins at the San Diego Crew Classic and Pacific Coast Rowing Championships. Scott pursued the national team for nearly 12 years and medaled at USRowing National Championships and Olympic Sports Festival.
In addition to Long Beach State, Scott has coached at University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Loyola Marymount and UCLA. He has coached men and women at varsity, novice and masters levels. After taking a 7 year break to start a family business in New York, he moved to farmland in East Tennessee and worked his way back to the sport he loves.
Outside of coaching, Scotts focus is learning about regenerative farming so he can eventually raise cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens.
My favorite rowing memory: “It has to be my first San Diego Crew Classic experience. Being one of the smaller athletes, I hadn’t made the top boat in the fall, so it was my first race. We won by open water over 2nd place Cal-Berkeley. I’ve been chasing that feeling for myself, and for my athletes, ever since.”
Mackenzie Rugg
Assistant Coach – Junior Development
Why I coach: “I enjoy teaching young athletes and helping them achieve their goals.”
Mackenzie graduated from Michigan State University in 2023, where she learned to row as a novice and continued for four years on the varsity team. She came to rowing with a background in gymnastics, and has coached that sport for 6 years.
Mackenzie is currently pursuing her Masters in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior at the University of Tennessee. When not in class, she interns in the Tennessee Athletics Department weight rooms where she coaches division I athletes from a variety of sports. Mackenzie loves to work out, be outside, and spend time with friends.
My favorite quote: “Eight hearts beat as one” – unknown
My favorite rowing memory: “Watching the novices in their first race, fall of 2023, was the first time I have watched a race through the eyes of a coach! It’s much more stressful, energizing and exciting to watch – as a coach – than I thought it would be!”
Allison Lea
Assistant Coach – Junior Development
Why I coach: “I coach as a way to give back to the process that made me the woman I am today and because I love watching athletes become their best selves.”
Allison started her rowing career at Yorktown High School, was recruited to row for Southern Methodist University and transferred to the University of Tennessee for her final season, where she helped her team to a third place finish at the 2024 NCAA Rowing Championships. She is currently finishing her final credits necessary for graduation from the University of Tennessee.
When she is not coaching, Allison enjoys crocheting, reading and going to coffee shops.
My favorite rowing memory:
“Watching the confetti fly overhead while holding an NCAA trophy and being so grateful for everything that had brought me to that moment.”
Jake Brock
Assistant Coach – Masters
Why I coach: “Coaching is my way of keeping my passion for rowing alive. Being able to see that moment of success and happiness in an athlete is one of the best feelings in the world.”
Jake started rowing in Asheville, North Carolina for the Asheville Youth Rowing Association. He caught the rowing bug and went on to compete with Asheville for six years. In his senior year, Jake was recruited to row for Jacksonville University and really enjoyed the experience of university rowing.
When Jake is not coaching, he is completing his flight training so he can become an airline pilot.
My favorite quote:
“Opportunities are never missed, they are just given to someone else.” – unknown