The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
O’Neill tabbed CRCA Regional Co-Coach of the Year
06.04.2023 | Rowing
Texas head coach Dave O’Neill earned CRCA regional honors; staff claims Regional Staff of the Year accolades.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Rowing head coach Dave O'Neill was named the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) Regional Co-Coach of the Year and the Longhorns' staff was tabbed the Regional Staff of the Year honors, the organization announced on Saturday. O'Neill earned the accolade for the second consecutive year and the sixth time in eight seasons with Texas, while the staff netted recognition from the CRCA for the second year in a row and fifth time in program history.
Texas placed fourth at the NCAA Championships, the sixth consecutive national regatta in which the Longhorns posted a top-four finish and the eighth-straight top-eight result. The Texas Four won the national title for the first time in program history. The Longhorns also captured an eighth consecutive Big 12 Conference crown, sweeping all five events for the eighth year in a row.
The Longhorn staff is comprised of O'Neill, associate head coach Mara Allen, assistant coaches Nick Baker and Gia Doonan, director of operations Rachel Sander, boatman/rigger Spencer Kales, graduate assistant coach Sara Neaves, volunteer assistant coach Margaret Dail and athletic trainer Laef Morris.
O'Neill claimed regional honors for the 10th time overall, having earned the honor four times as the head coach at California. Texas previously received regional staff accolades in 2015, 2018-19 and 2021.
Regional Coach and Staff of the Year awards are voted on by the membership of the CRCA. The Regional Coach of the Year Award is intended to recognize a head coach that fits one or more of the following criteria: outstanding success during the current season, demonstrated great team improvement from the prior season, fulfilled team's potential and demonstrated a high level of professionalism and integrity as a coach. The Staff of the Year Award is intended to recognize those whose teams have had outstanding success throughout the current season and have demonstrated a high level of professionalism and integrity as coaches.
