Scott Charette
Lead Junior Men’s Varsity Coach, Lead 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.”
Maddy Horridge
Lead Junior Women’s Varsity Coach
Why I coach: “It brings me joy to coach young enthusiastic athletes in a sport that has given me many opportunities and shown me the world. I want them to experience pushing themselves to build character and resilience that will help them throughout their lives and create many memories, like the ones I myself have experienced.”
Maddy started rowing in her home town of Brisbane Australia. She competed for Somerville House for five years, competing in multiple state and national regattas and winning an array of medals.
In 2016, Maddy accepted an opportunity to come to the states to row for Syracuse University where she competed for 5 years, using the “Covid 5th year”. After graduating she accepted a Graduate Assistant Position with The University of Tennessee where she coached the 3v8 to a crew-best medal finish at the 2023 Big12 Conference Championship.
That summer, Maddy became a “mum” and is enjoying the new activities of her family life. She also enjoys hiking and driving through unexplored areas of East Tennessee.
My favorite rowing memory: “Winning the ACC 2v8 Championship my freshman year at Syracuse. It was the first time in program history that a boat has won against Virginia.”
Alyssa Nealon
Lead Junior Development Coach
Why I coach: “Rowing has brought immense joy to my life. I enjoy the opportunity to share that with young athletes by teaching them not only how to row, but also helping them develop lifelong skills beyond a rowing shell.”
Alyssa came to rowing as an Atomic Master in 2017, and her competitive spirit and quick assimilation of the rowing stroke took her to regattas of all sizes. After assisting the Junior Program in the safety launch, Alyssa quickly transitioned to a full coaching position with the Varsity Women, completed her Level 2 certification, and coached several crews to USRowing Youth National competition. She enjoys seeking out opportunities to learn and develop as a coach.
Alyssa graduated from University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2013. She currently works as a consulting architect and architectural photographer for several design firms in the region. When not working or coaching, she loves to adventure around the world!
My favorite rowing memory: “In 2021, I raced the single at the Head of the Charles Regatta and placed 8th! Looking back, I’m still proud of my preparation, mental drive, and execution of my race.”
Jake Brock
Assistant Masters Coach
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
Mackenzie Rugg
Assistant Junior Development Coach
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!”