Monica Whitehouse, a Badger rower from 2010-14, is back as an assistant coach for the Wisconsin rowing program. She serves as the program's novice coach.
"Monica is a young coach with a passion for rowing and all that it can bring to those who take it on," head coach
Bebe Bryans said. "She knows how to take athletes with potential and help them to develop collegiate-level skill, whether she is working with top rowing recruits or athletes who were born to row, but haven't had the chance to experience it yet. She understands the Wisco Way because she's lived it - it's in her blood. Our freshmen will be fortunate to have her as their first Badger coach."
Originally from Muskego, Whitehouse rowed as a walk-on at Wisconsin from 2010 through 2014, and reached the international level by representing Team USA at the 2016 World Rowing Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands in the women's lightweight quadruple sculls. She rowed with the Badgers' varsity eight at three NCAA rowing championships and took home three medals from Big Ten championships during her college career.
The two-year captain was named one of two University of Wisconsin Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winners in 2014 after taking home the award for the women's rowing team that year.
A 2014 Second-Team Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association All-Central Region rower, Whitehouse earned first-team All-Big Ten honors that same year as stroke of UW's varsity eight. She was a second-team All-Big Ten pick in 2013.
A three-time Academic All-Big Ten team member as a psychology major, Whitehouse also earned team recognition as 2014 winner of The Graves Family Award, which goes to a senior for her contributions to the success of UW crew. She was also a two-time winner of the Simonds Award, voted on by her teammates in recognition of toughness, work ethic and commitment.
Since her time at Wisconsin, Whitehouse spent much of her time in Sarasota, Florida, as regatta director for Sarasota Crew and as an assistant rowing coach. Helping with a program that boasts eight consecutive Florida state championships, she coached over 120 athletes annually in training, nutrition and recovery practices. She also managed six yearly regattas and assisted with course operations at Nathan Benderson Park, site of past NCAA and World Rowing Championships.
While in Florida, Whitehouse kept her connection to the Badgers as a Sarasota/Manatee Chapter board member of the Wisconsin Alumni Association.
Whitehouse Q&A
Why did you choose to become a coach?
My coaches played an impactful role in who I am and I appreciate having the opportunity to be a positive impact in my athletes’ lives.
Why the University of Wisconsin?
I believe in the program.
What is your favorite part about coaching?
Being regularly inspired. Often, as a coach, I see the potential of an athlete and how much further they can go, but it is the most remarkable part of my job to witness their journey to realizing how much further they can go themselves.
What is special about coaching at Wisconsin?
The staff and the sunrises. I love being able to collaborate with so many passionate professionals. And you cannot beat a morning practice on Mendota when the water is flat and the energy is high.
Speak on one of your favorite memories from coaching at Wisconsin.
When [current senior] Brandi [Gueths] made the run standard her sophomore year. It was quite the success story of an athlete working towards a goal that intimidated them. Watching her train throughout the summer exemplified what can happen if you commit to the process and put the work in.
What do you do outside of coaching?
Drink coffee at Kwik Trip, find ways to stay active (my latest favs are mountain biking and cross country skiing), explore the Madison parks with my dog Karmen, sample cheese at the farmers market.
What do you look for in recruits?
Athletes.
