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© Kevin Leslie | At The Thousand
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Kevin Leslie talks with college coaches, Olympic athletes, performance experts, and other influential voices in rowing to help athletes truly learn from the best, evolve their training, and be better positioned for long term success!
85 Episodes
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In this episode, Anna Jensen, 3-time NCAA Champion at Texas and 2x U23 World Champion, dives into her journey from standout swimmer and runner, to discovering rowing late, to being recruited to Texas, and ultimately taking her skills developed from being a multi-sport athlete into winning three NCAA Championships.Key Takeaways:Multi-Sport Athlete - How Anna’s background in swimming and running gave her a definitive advantage in rowing once went all in.College Success - The start to her college career, and how fitness made her stand out, but small boats helped her find early success.Winning at Texas - What makes Texas Rowing different, and how culture and good teammates helped the team thrive throughout their three championships.Follow Anna Jensen:Anna Jensen - @anna_jensen_Navigate College Recruiting with the ATT CollectiveLearn about our Coaching for RowersEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Delaney McGuire of Eastern Michigan University and Kevin dive into the different tiers within D1 rowing and how athletes should approach the college recruiting process, and how to best position yourself to maximize this winter season! Key Takeaways:Different Calibers of D1 - Understanding the differences between the “haves” and “have nots” in Division 1 rowing, and how it affects recruiting. Purpose of Winter Training - What athletes should be prioritizing this winter, and how to approach each training session.Fear of 2k Failure - Being comfortable with failure, and why it will lead to bigger successes down the line.Follow Coach McGuire and Eastern Michigan University:Coach McGuire - @coach_dmcg EMU Rowing - @emurowingNavigate College Recruiting with the ATT CollectiveLearn about our Coaching for RowersEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Kevin dives into all the work that goes into a 2K test, and why athletes often fall victim to seeking shortcuts that don’t exist. We are talking about the training, technique, mental resiliency, and time required to perform our best on a 2k. Key Takeaways:3 Pillars of Fitness - Why fitness is the most important piece to 2k testing, and the three key pillars athletes need to prioritize.Mental Performance - The essence of endurance sports. Exposure to intensity, and building the resiliency to endure fatigue..Time Horizon - Why there are no shortcuts for maximizing 2k performance. We need to control the inputs for eventual outputs.Navigate College Recruiting with the ATT CollectiveLearn about our Coaching for RowersEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Kevin dives into college recruiting and what college coaches are actually looking for in the recruiting process, purely from an athletic standpoint. These six attributes are used by coaches to evaluate the potential upside of a future college rower and how they may add value to their team’s program.Key Takeaways:2k Scores for Recruiting - Why the 2k score is the standard, but also why it should not be your only focus as an aspiring college rower..Tracking Upside - Why recruiting is about predicting future value as a rower, and the importance of growth.Intangible Attributes - Coaches want competitors, and how measuring competitiveness is both internal and external.Navigate College Recruiting with the ATT CollectiveLearn about our Coaching for RowersEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Kevin closes out the year by sharing the top 5 episodes of 2025, and his approach for athletes on how to reframe handling adversity and learning how to move forward regardless of what obstacles are ahead.Key Takeaways:Top 5 Episodes - The top 5 most played episodes of 2025, and why these conversations are worth revisiting as you embrace the new year.Mindset Shift - “Accept that the path will be messy” and know that once we accept adversity, the path forward is much clearer.Starting 2026 Right - Clear actionable tips for handling training cycles and making progress in the new year.Evolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Blake Gourley, Strength and Conditioning Coach and Founder of Rowing Strength, dives into the importance of strength training for rowers, tips for incorporating resistance training into your program, and misconceptions surrounding strength for performance.Key Takeaways:Why Rowers Need Strength Training - Blake’s four reasons rowers need to prioritize strength training in order to stay healthy and perform better.How to Add Strength Training - Why more is not always better, and why rowers only need the minimal effective dose to realize progress.Best Exercises for Rowers - Blake’s top exercises for all the primary movements, and why he blends them into weekly full body routines.Follow Blake and Rowing Strength:Rowing Strength - @rowing_strengthhttps://www.trainoar.com/Evolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Luke McGee, Head Coach for the Syracuse University Women’s Rowing Program, dives into his unique career as an athlete and coach of top men’s programs, including the US Men’s 8+, then taking those experiences with him to the women's rowing program at Syracuse, building a top NCAA program.Key Takeaways:Starting at Syracuse - Transitioning from coaching top men’s programs, including the Men’s Olympic 8+, to taking over the Syracuse women and building a top program.Culture - Why culture is their foundation, and why rowers should ask themselves if this is the right culture for them to be successful.“Holistic” Recruiting - Asking questions to recruits to determine not just if they are the right athletic fit, but also if they will fit the school and Syracuse environment.Follow Coach McGee and Syracuse Rowing:Syracuse Rowing - @cusewrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Kevin dives deep into the top things athletes need to focus on in order to maximize the winter off-season and come out faster, both on the erg and in preparation for the spring..Key Takeaways:Embrace the Erg - Why athletes need to decide to embrace the erg and reframe their mindset in order to be successful.Athlete First, Rower Second - Why we should use the winter to focus on both strength training and other cross training modalities to build fitness.Off-Season Development - Athletes need to use the winter as a time of uninterrupted development, and how that will translate to true success.Evolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Kevin dives deep into 2K performances, and how to set athletes up for success by setting realistic expectations, trusting the numbers, and prioritizing execution. Follow these three keys and position yourself for a big PR this off-season.Key Takeaways:Set Realistic Expectations - Why overconfident expectations set us up for disappointment and lost motivation.Prep Before You Test - The importance of testing the waters with prep work before a 2K test to get exposure to the intensity.Execution is Everything - Why poor execution crushed all athletes, regardless of how fit and strong you are as a rower.Evolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Katy Ruderman, Head Coach for the Bucknell University Women’s Rowing Program, dives into Division 1 recruiting, what athletes should be aware of in the college process, and what it takes to be a successful Division 1 rower.Key Takeaways:D1 Rowing - What athletes should know about being successful athletically and academically as a Division 1 student-athlete.Recruiting Timeline - When does recruiting begin, how prepared should you be, and where should athletes start as they navigate the process.Leadership - Developing a culture and vision as a new head coach that aligns with what the athletes want, both short term and long term.Follow Coach Ruderman and Bucknell Rowing:Bucknell Rowing - @bucknellwrowEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Kevin dives deep into three key “truths” high school rowers, and their parents, should understand as they navigate the college rowing recruiting process. These considerations will save time, money, stress, and energy as athletes go about the process with clarity and find the right fit for them.Key Takeaways:School First - Why rowing alone won’t get you into college, and why identifying your “pillars” is key to success both on and off the water.Division 1 - Why just because you can get recruited D1, why many athletes should not pursue rowing at that level.Program Fit and Culture - The importance of understanding your values, and seeing if there is alignment with the program and head coach.Evolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Coach Delaney and Kevin dive into the mental side of performing on a 2000 meter test, why rowers struggle to execute on them, and strategies to overcome “performance anxiety”.Key Takeaways:2k “Anxiety” - Why athletes struggle to maintain splits that they know they can sustain, and the power of “expectations” with testing.Preparation and Exposure - Why rowers need to expose themselves to 2k intensity during training, and experience fatigue, in order to find success on test day.Endurance Crossover - What experimenting with pacing strategies in marathon running has taught Delaney and Kevin, and how that crosses over to rowing.Follow Coach McGuire and Eastern Michigan University:Coach McGuire - @coach_dmcg EMU Rowing - @emurowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Greg Myhr, Head Coach for the Marietta College Men’s Rowing Programs, dives into his mentality developed coaching at Wisconsin, the importance of consistent hard work and not looking for the easy way, and how to build toughness on the erg.Key Takeaways:Wisconsin Rowing - How coaching at Wisconsin helped shape Coach Myhr’s philosophy around building a culture and doing what it takes to be successful.Success Thru Hard Work - Why there is no easy way in rowing and why consistent hard work is the single most important factor for getting faster and finding success.Building Erg Toughness - Why the erg is primarily a confidence builder, and how rowers need to expose themselves to the intensity to develop more speed.Follow Coach Myhr and Marietta Rowing:Marietta Rowing - @mariettarowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Peter Steenstra, Head Coach for the Bates College Men’s and Women’s Rowing Programs, dives into how to build successful programs for two teams simultaneously, the importance of safety when managing a large team, and how they attract a massive freshmen class to both programs.Key Takeaways:Building Two Successful Cultures - How Bates won 5 NCAA Championships on the women’s side, while also having top finishes for the men’s program. Managing Large Programs - The importance of communication between the athletes and coaches, establishing leadership positions, and the role of coxswains for athlete safety. Attracting New Rowers - How Bates started with 57 first year athletes in the fall, and their methods for recruiting rowers, and attracting on-campus walk-ons.Follow Coach Steenstra and Bates Rowing:Bates Rowing - @batesrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Gregg Hartsuff, Head Coach for the University of Michigan Men’s Club Rowing Program, dives into the differences between coach-led clubs from student-led clubs, why flourishing alumni bases drive a program, and the formation of ACRA’s into a top tier national championship!Key Takeaways:Club Rowing Versus Varsity - The history behind club rowing programs being removed from the IRA National Championships, and why this led to the ACRA Championships. Differences in Clubs - Why coach-led clubs are becoming more important, and the differences between student-led and coach-led programs. Alumni Networks - Why alumni networks are the key to the sustainability of a successful program, and how to begin building a programs network. Follow Coach Hartsuff and Michigan Men’s Rowing:Michigan Rowing - @michiganrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, John Graves, Head Coach for the Dartmouth College Women’s Rowing Program, dives into athletic versatility and why rowers should play multiple sports in high school, the value of small boats in college rowing, and what he looks for in aspiring Division 1 rowers at an Ivy League program!Key Takeaways:Athletic “Range” - Why participating in multiple sports in high school can preserve “emotional capital” and lead to more success long term. Rowing Technique and “Play” - The value of small boats for college rowing and developing a comfort in the single that will help drive confidence in an eight. Cross Training - John’s unique view on cross training and why Dartmouth takes advantage of the winter to disconnect from the ergs to cross country ski. Follow Coach Graves and Dartmouth Women’s Rowing:Dartmouth Rowing - @dartmouthrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Justin Price, Head Coach for the Rutgers University Women’s Rowing Program, dives into the experience of winning the Island Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta, growing Rutgers into a top 10 NCAA program, and what it takes to compete for a top Division 1 rowing program!Key Takeaways:Winning Henley - The lead up to Henley, what it took to go for the first time in program history, and the experience of winning the Island Challenge Cup.Creating a Winning Culture - Building a program of continued growth as Rutgers went from bottom of the Big 10 to six consecutive NCAA appearances.Recruiting - The intangible qualities coaches look for in aspiring college rowers, in order to identify athletes who can perform at a high level of Division 1 rowing.Follow Coach Price and Rutgers Women’s Rowing:Rutgers Rowing - @rutgerswrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Kevin dives into 6 tips for consistent erg training to maximize August and head into the fall rowing season feeling prepared to move forward. Focusing on consistency over intensity, this advice will help any rower be more successful with their individual training.Key Takeaways:The Importance of Summer Erging - Why rowers need to erg in August to be ready to move forward when they return to their team in September.Tips for Erg Consistency - 6 actionable tips athletes can use to be more successful on the erg and collect daily wins with their training.Psychology of Erging - How individual erg training is oftentimes more mental than physical, why we need to plan ahead for success.Evolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Martin Stone, Head Coach for the University of Notre Dame Women’s Rowing Program, dives into college recruiting, what coaches look for in recruits, and the evolution of women’s rowing through his 25+ year experience leading the Notre Dame program!Key Takeaways:Life as a College Athlete - The emphasis on balance as a Division 1 rower who aspires to have both a rigorous academic load, and the demands of college rowing.College Recruiting - Breaking down the rowing facts, such as 2k and 6k erg score, wing span, race results, etc., in addition to the intangible team first qualities to get recruited..Scholarships and Roster Limits - Coach Stone’s input on how scholarships impact recruiting, and whether roster limitations will have effect recruiting.Follow Coach Stone and Notre Dame Women’s Rowing:Notre Dame Rowing - @ndrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
In this episode, Nate Clark, Assistant Coach for the Trinity College Men’s Rowing Program, returns for round 2 on the podcast to share the experience of Trinity winning the 2025 Varsity 8+ National Championship, what it took to get there, and the process for retooling for a repeat in 2026!Key Takeaways:Winning an IRA Championship - The experience of winning a championship in the V8, but not being content, and immediately shifting focus to the next season.Competitive D3 Rowing - What it takes to win a D3 championship, and the process-oriented, and present-focused mindsets, required to actually win.Rebuilding to Repeat - Recruiting the next class of athletes who want to “build” rather than “join” a national champion contender.Follow Coach Clark and Trinity College Men’s Rowing:Trinity College Rowing - @trinitycollegemensrowingEvolve your Training with our Free NewsletterLearn about our Coaching for RowersCheck out our Training Plans and Courses for Faster RowingFollow ATT on Instagram: At The ThousandPlease SHARE this episode with friends and teammates as we have more episodes coming!Questions? Visit Us Here: https://atthethousand.comEnjoy the show, and Keep Steppin’ Into It!
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