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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!
94 Episodes
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In this episode, Stacey Rippetoe, Head Coach for the Michigan State University Women’s Rowing Program, dives into her return to Michigan State, now as Head Coach, the competitiveness of the BIG 10 and what it takes to compete at that level, and MSU’s interest in finding recruits with and without prior rowing experience.Key Takeaways:Second Stint at MSU - Returning to Michigan State, and the process for returning the program to its fastest period during her first stint as assistant coach.BIG 10 Conference - The competitiveness of women’s rowing in the BIG 10, and what it takes to compete and position yourself for a NCAA bid. D1 Training - The coaching philosophy of experimenting throughout the spring season to figure out lineups and peak at the conference championships.Follow Coach Rippetoe and Michigan State Rowing:MSU Rowing - @msu_rowingNavigate 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 why aspiring college rowers should consider starting broad in their college rowing recruiting journey, with a strong emphasis on discovery and comparison, and the negative consequences that can arise by narrowing your college search too early. Key Takeaways:Narrowing Early - Why limiting your options early in the process can negatively impact your scope of what’s out there and what may be a better fit long term.Discovery and Comparison - How communication and visits with schools is the best way to compare programs and reaffirm your decision later.Recruiting Timeline - Thinking about recruiting as a marathon, and that even though it starts June 15th after sophomore year, managing the journey is crucial.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, Kit Bennett, Executive Director and Head Coach for both Skyline Crew and the Washtenaw Rowing Center, dives deep into the trends he is seeing in scholastic rowing, both regionally and nationally, and the importance of fundraising for survival and to hit program pillars that drive athlete retention.Key Takeaways:Scholastic Rowing - The trends within scholastic rowing, from athlete participation and new teams, to the difference in needs for private schools versus public school programs.Successful Fundraising - The importance of establishing fundraising systems to support the goals of financial aid, livable wages for coaches, and equipment.Athlete Experience - How investing in the regatta experience, from visibility with jumbotrons to medals docks helps make rowing more exciting and drive participation.Follow both Washtenaw and Skyline on Instagram:Washtenaw Rowing - @washtenawrowingcenterSkyline Crew - @skylinecrewa2Navigate 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, Mary Foster, Head Coach for the Boston University Women’s Lightweight Rowing Program, dives into everything women’s lightweight rowing, and what it takes to get recruiting and compete at a top lightweight rowing program.Key Takeaways:Evolution of Lightweight - The differences between IRA Lightweight and NCAA Openweight, how it started, and the recent growth of lightweight rowing.Recruiting - The recruiting standards for a competitive lightweight rower at a top D1 program. From 2k scores, to athlete size, to rowing skills.Speed of Top Lightweights - The speed at the top end of lightweight rowing, and how the standards of fitness continue to elevate.Follow Coach Foster and Boston Lightweight Rowing:BU130’s Rowing - @terrier130rowNavigate 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 the importance for rowers to continue erg and strength training throughout the spring season to maintain fitness and continue 2k progress, and how to add them both into your routine while also balancing the spring season. Key Takeaways:Training Approach - Why a 1+2 or 2+2 erg and strength training approach, on top of practice, is crucial for maintaining fitness and 2k progress.5 Training Styles - The 5 best ways to add in additional training On-Your-Own, while limiting the costs to school, team focus, and personal life.Routine - The importance of having a 90% certainty routine that can allow you to prioritize consistency over intensity while training OYO.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 Lisa Lowe, Doctor of Physical Therapist and former competitive rower, dives into her specialty of helping rowers stay physically healthy and navigate the path back to the water after experiencing many of the common injuries in rowing.Key Takeaways:Managing Athletes Through Injury - The scale Lisa runs athletes through to help athletes assess the pain, and the degree of caution they need to take moving forward.The Severity of Rib Injuries - Why rib injuries are so common in rowing, and how they can be one of the most significant injuries is mismanaged. Preventative Work - The importance of pre-work prior to rowing in order to wake the highly stressed muscles up, so they can withstand the training.Follow Lisa on Instagram and check out his Website:Instagram - @lisalowe.dptWebsite - https://powerhousephysio.com/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, Paula Thoms, Head Coach for the Williams College Women’s Rowing Program, dives into her unique journey of moving from coaching D1 to D3, the advantages the D3 model as it relates to development of the student-athlete, and what is takes to succeed at a competitive academic school like Williams.Key Takeaways:Division 1 to Division 3 - Paula’s move from over a decade coaching Division 1 rowing, to finding her perfect fit as a coach now leading at a top D3 program in Williams.The D3 Model - How D3 gives athletes the environment to develop as people first, encouraging participation in clubs, activities, and rigorous courses while rowing.Balance and Priorities - How athletes shift focus to being successful on the water, while also taking advantage of the holistic education D3 provides.Follow Coach Thoms and Williams Rowing:Williams Rowing - @ephswcrewNavigate 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 the three questions college rowing coaches are asking themselves as they assess the future value of an aspiring college rower, and whether or not they should invest in adding them to their program. Key Takeaways:Workload of D1 Rowing - Why college coaches want to know if a high school rower can survive the significant increase in training volume and intensity.Future Value - How college coaches assess potential rather than current experience, and need to predict future contributors to team success.Culture Impact - How an athlete's ability to add to the team culture can positively impact their value over someone who detracts from the culture.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 David Schary, Mental Performance Consultant for rowers and Sports Psychology Professor at Winthrop University, dives deep into why athletes struggle mentally with 2k testing, how to train the brain for 2k performances, and actionable steps coaches and athletes can take to overcome mental barriers.Key Takeaways:Why Athletes Struggle on 2k - The two brains of 2k performance, and how to train each system to overcome the middle of a 2k effort.Pressures from Testing - The importance of treating 2k testing like any other workout, and not attaching personal identity to the outcome.Training Mental Performance - How reflection, and daily logging of our past performances, can help athletes eliminate surprises.Follow David on Instagram and check out his Website:Instagram - @davidschary Website - https://davidschary.com/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, 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!
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