Thomas Schlenker - Women's Rowing Coach - Lehigh University Athletics

Thomas Schlenker

Title:
Assistant Coach

Thomas Schlenker comes to Lehigh with a bevy of rowing experience. He rowed at the University of Washington, earning his Bachelor's Degree in 2006 before moving onto graduate school.

Schlenker most recently worked at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington where he served as Director of Rowing and Head Women's Coach since August of 2011. The program thrived under his leadership as the roster increased from five student-athletes (when he took over) to 24 this past season. Pacific Lutheran ended 2013 ranked second regionally, ending a decade long streak of unranked seasons. Two of Schlenker's student-athletes became veterans of the NCAA Championships while his players enjoyed successful careers off the water as well.

The program's increased success carried outside of rowing as well. Pacific Lutheran's team GPA reached 3.7, up from 3.0 n 2011. The student-athletes played significant roles in their community as well.

"I'm excited to have Thomas join our staff as he will bring a great deal of experiences, both in the boat and coaching crews," said Conley. "Thomas understands where we are working to bring our program to the upper echelons of the sports and I feel will fit, and expand upon, the culture we have created at the boathouse."

Prior to Pacific Lutheran, Schlenker served as Director of Recruiting and Operations, Assistant Women's Rowing Coach at UMass-Lowell. Responsibilities included coordinating recruiting efforts, strengthening alumni relations, designing and managing training programs and more. Schlenker also helped facilitate the program's transition from club to varsity status.

In addition, Schlenker has experience with the Sammamish Rowing Association, the Green Lake Small Craft Center and University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Physics (minor in Mathematics) and received a Master's of Education in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership.