University of Rochester Director of Rowing Serra Sevenler '15 has announced that she will be moving on from her role at the University to pursue other career opportunities. Her last day on the River Campus will be June 30.
 
Sevenler served as Director of Rowing and Head Women's Rowing Coach for two seasons, after taking the reins in August 2021, her second stint on the Rochester coaching staff.
 
"I would like to express my gratitude to George VanderZwaag and the entire department for the support over the last two years," says Sevenler. "It has been an incredible experience coaching at the University, and I am very grateful to have been a part of this department."
 
Over the last two years, Rochester's rowing program has been terrific on the water, including earning a runner-up finish at the Liberty League Championship in 2022, back-to-back titles at the Head of the Genesee Regatta and two straight top-10 performances at the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta.
 
Rochester earned a national ranking in Division III as high as #13 during 2022-23 and a total of six individuals were named All-Liberty League under Sevenler's tutelage. Additionally, the Yellowjackets had the Liberty League Novice Boat of the Year in back-to-back seasons.
 
Sevenler also took the team back to the prestigious Head of the Charles for the first time in eight years. The women's collegiate eight placed impressed by finishing in the top half of the field, ensuring an entry for the fall of 2023.
 
"We are grateful for Serra's work over the past two years as the program achieved many positive results under her leadership," says VanderZwaag, Rochester's Executive Director of Athletics. "We wish her all the best as she takes the next steps in her professional life."
 
DJ Civiletti, who has served as an assistant coach, has been appointed as interim Director of Rowing and Head Women's Rowing Coach effective July 1, 2023.