Spotlight: Kim Chavers, a revamp to rowing

As the new head coach, Kimberly Chavers brings new goals to the Nova Southeastern University women’s rowing program. Chavers holds extensive rowing history and experience, previously coaching at universities such as Stetson, Indiana, Old Dominion and most recently, Michigan State. During Chavers’ time as head coach for MSU, she successfully strengthened the rowing program post COVID-19 and received a top-four program ranking within the region.

Unlike typical athletes, Chavers’ rowing career only began her freshman year at Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio. Chavers discovered her passion and natural talent for rowing after years of dissatisfaction while playing other sports such as soccer, softball and track.

Kim Chavers, women’s rowing head coach.

“I attended one rowing practice in college and I fell in love,” Chavers said.

Chavers successfully managed to try out for the Marietta rowing team, despite being halfway into the current season. After making the team, Chavers’ athleticism and love for the sport only grew during the four years she competed.

Chavers’ completion of her undergraduate degree was followed by attending graduate school at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, where she received her doctorate of physical therapy. Throughout her time at Northeastern, Chavers was determined to squeeze rowing into her already tight academic schedule.

“I realized after my rowing career I had nothing to do but I still wanted to be involved with rowing,” Chavers said. “I would coach in the morning before class and in the evenings after class.”

After graduating from Northeastern, Chavers decided to move to Washington D.C. where she would pursue a career in physical therapy. Not long after moving, Chavers began helping a friend who coached at Bishop O’Connell high school. Subsequently, Chavers’ ability to successfully lead a team stood out and was offered the position as head coach for the school. From there, Chavers’ coaching career officially began and she hasn’t looked back.

This season, Chavers plans on utilizing her undeniable determination and passion to create a powerhouse of lady Sharks for the NSU women’s rowing team.

“I love the idea of restarting the program and making it huge. It’s a tremendous opportunity to be a part of the first recruiting class after the program has been reinstated,” Chavers said.

If you would like to join coach Chavers in taking on new experiences and challenges throughout this rowing season, visit https://nsusharks.com/sports/womens-rowing to complete an interest form and prospective student athlete form.

Tryouts begin on Sept. 15 and applicable paperwork must be submitted a week prior to trying out.