ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany, President Havidán Rodríguez, and Director of Athletics Mark Benson have announced the hiring of Kim Chavers as the head coach of UAlbany's new women's rowing program.
 
"I am incredibly honored to join the staff at the University at Albany," said Chavers. "I want to express my gratitude to Director of Athletics Mark Benson and sport supervisor Mike McKercher for entrusting me with the opportunity to continue building this program from the ground up. UAlbany's athletic department has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and I am excited to contribute to that legacy as we establish a rowing team that embodies the spirit, determination, and success that defines UAlbany Athletics."
 
Chavers added "I look forward to working with our student-athletes and the entire UAlbany community to achieve success both on the water and in the classroom."
 
Chavers comes to UAlbany with 16+ years of coaching experience. She most recently served as the head women's rowing coach for Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, rejuvenating the program which had previously been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chavers was responsible for resuming program competition in 2023-24.
 
Before her time in Fort Lauderdale, Chavers spent four seasons as the head women's rowing coach at Michigan State University. She supervised a coaching staff and roster comprised of over 70 people while overseeing the program's strategic plan. She also oversaw the acquisition and development of a brand-new team indoor facility while annually fundraising over $100k for the program.
 
"Kim emerged from a very talented and deep pool of candidates," said Benson. "It was evident as we moved through this process that her student-athlete centric philosophy aligned with ours. Her experience at all levels of intercollegiate rowing will suit her well as she picks up the work begun by Chris Chase. We'd like to thank Chris for laying the groundwork for the program, and we are excited for Kim to shape the future of UAlbany women's rowing."
 
Benson added "I'd like to thank Mike McKercher, Associate Athletic Director for Development, and Travis Wilson, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations, for their diligent work in leading the search process."
 
Chavers held three assistant coaching positions before joining the Spartans in 2019. She spent the 2018-19 season at Old Dominion University where she helped the program transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Before that, she spent three seasons with Indiana University where she helped the program become a three-time NCAA DI at-large selection. From 2014-2015, Chavers spent time at Stetson University where she helped recruit for both the university's men's and women's programs.
 
In total, Chavers has been responsible for more than 200 Academic All-Big Ten Honorees, 58 Big Ten Distinguished Scholars, 69 Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) Scholar Athletes, and four CRCA All-Americans.
 
Chavers received her BS in Health Sciences from Marietta College, her DPT in Physical Therapy from Northeastern University, and her MS in Sports Coaching Leadership from Drexel University.
 
Chris Chase was named UAlbany's inaugural head rowing coach in December of 2023. He stepped down in May of 2024 due to "unforeseen family and personal reasons."
 
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