George Washington University Athletics
Pearce Takes Position with US Sailing
6/29/2016 12:00:00 AM | Sailing
WASHINGTON -- After architecting a top-10 program nationally over the last four years, GW head sailing coach John Pearce has accepted a position with US Sailing as the Youth Development Director, Director of Athletics Patrick Nero announced Wednesday.
"We are extremely grateful for all of John's efforts and talents and we know he will continue to Raise High the GW burgee throughout the sailing world," said Nero. "In the interim, [assistant coach] Catherine Shanahan will guide the program while we commence a search for John's replacement, as the culture that John fostered within the program remains strong."
The first-ever head coach of the Colonials' sailing program, which was elevated from club to varsity status beginning in 2012-13, Pearce helped GW reach new heights in each of his four years at the helm. In 2014-15, he guided the Colonials to their first-ever appearances in the national coed and women's rankings, as well as the team's first-ever berth to women's nationals, where GW finished 13th.
Last season, GW surpassed those marks. The Colonials earned a number six ranking in the women's poll, and 13th in coed, while capturing the first titles in program history with the MAISA Women's Fall Dinghy and MAISA Women's Championship. The Colonials would go on to earn berths in both the women's nationals, finishing 10th, and coed nationals, finishing 17th.
GW earned its stamp as a top-10 program when it finished 10th in the Fowle Trophy standings, which is based on the best overall performance in the six Intercollegiate Sailing Association Nationals.
In addition to team success, several Colonials earned individual accolades last year. Pearce was named MAISA Coach of the Year, sophomore Miranda Bakos earned a spot on the All-MAISA Women's Skipper first team, sophomore Belle Strachan was All-MAISA Crew, junior Brendan Shanahan was All-MAISA Coed Skipper second team, and senior Hannah McNomee was All-MAISA Women's Skipper second team.
"I'm excited for this opportunity, but leaving GW is very difficult," said Pearce. "I want to thank the student-athletes, staff, coaches and administrators for making the last four years a great experience for me. I'll be following the program closely and can't wait to see what GW Sailing accomplishes in the coming years."
