June 28, 2007

Washington, D.C. - USRowing named Women's Varsity Lightweight Coach Jim O'Connor to the 2007 Pan American Games coaching staff. Also, Lightweight Women's Freshman Coach Sarah Trowbridge has been selected to race for the United States in the women's double and quadruple sculling events.

Trowbridge secured her spot on the team by winning the Doubles Trials in May with partner Margaret Matia. Based on their victory in the Doubles event, Trowbridge and Matia also secured the right to race in the Quad. "We are very excited to have the ability to race against international competition and we are honored to represent the United States in the Pan American Games," Trowbridge said. "Our preparation has been going well and we are anxious to begin racing."

Trowbridge and Matia train and race for Potomac Boat Club (PBC) located in Washington, D.C. Last summer, Coach O'Connor worked with these women and others as a coach with the Elite Sculling Program at PBC.

"It has been a privilege to work with the athletes and other coaches during this process," O'Connor said. "I am very excited to have the opportunity to represent USRowing and I am looking forward to the racing. Additionally, I am very happy for Sarah. She has been a great assistant while maintaining her own training and racing. She is an excellent role-model for the women of our program."

The 27-person Pan American Games rowing squad includes 16 senior national team veterans, four of whom have Olympic experience. The rowing competition will be held July 14-19 at the Lagoa Rowing Center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Heats and repechages, or second-chance races, will be held July 14-16, with finals being held July 17-19.