University at Albany Great Danes

Drayton Piper joined the UAlbany rowing coaching staff in August of 2026 after building extensive coaching experience at the club and collegiate levels.

Piper most recently served as a men’s and women’s varsity assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, beginning in fall 2024. During his time with the Eagles, he helped the program capture its first NCAA Division II National Championship, including a first-place finish in the Varsity 8+ and third-place finish in the Varsity 4+. Piper also served as the primary coach for the women’s freshman 8+, which placed third at the Head of the Schuylkill and first at the Florida Intercollegiate Rowing Association (FIRA) Championships. He helped guide both the men’s and women’s teams to FIRA state championships and coached several victories over Division I opponents.

Prior to Embry-Riddle, Piper served as a varsity assistant and novice men’s coach at SA Rowing Club from 2022–24. He coached athletes of all skill levels, helped multiple U19 National Team rowers and contributed to 25 boats qualifying for nationals and 27 regional medals across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Piper also spent the 2022–23 season with Georgia Tech Club Rowing as a varsity assistant coach and interim varsity men’s head coach, where he developed training plans and led daily practices.

Piper also gained experience through the USRowing Olympic Development Program, where he was mentored by coaches from across the country and helped coordinate daily practices and travel for more than 100 athletes.

Piper earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marietta College in 2022 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He holds a USRowing Level 2 Coaching Certification, along with CPR/First Aid, Boating Safety and SafeSport certifications.