Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is pleased to announce the successful candidates for the 2025 Made in Canada (MIC) Coaching Program. This initiative is designed to nurture the growth of talented rowing coaches across the country who have aspirations to develop Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
The 2025 candidates are:
- Michael Petrychanko – St. Catharines Rowing Club
- Zak Lewis – Ottawa Rowing Club
- Alex Marchuk – Calgary Rowing Club
These coaches will participate in a year-long program that includes mentorship from experienced national and international coaches, on-water and off-water training opportunities, and access to RCA’s coaching network.
“RCA is excited to welcome a new cohort of candidates into the MIC Coaching program,” said Colleen Miller, RCA’s Manager of Coach Education and Development. “We are focused on supporting the development of coaches who work with both able-bodied and para athletes, and we are eager to see them grow, learn, and strive to coach for Canada.”
Michael Petrychanko will play a key role in supporting Canada’s para-rowing program as part of his participation in the MIC Coaching Program. “I’m very honoured to be part of a program that is designed to develop Canadian high performance coaches,” said Michael. “I know that the MIC Coaching Program will help further my ability to work with Canada’s national para-athletes. Canada’s para program is making very positive changes to increase the number of national team para-athletes, and I look forward to playing a role in helping athletes on their journey.”
Zak Lewis, Head Coach at the Ottawa Rowing Club, sees the program as a vital step in his continued coaching development. “I am incredibly excited to be selected for the MIC Coaching Program. As head coach at the Ottawa Rowing Club, I strive to support our community of athletes in reaching their full potential. I believe that continuous learning is essential for any coach, and I am eager to learn from the best in the field and gain the knowledge and experience necessary to take my coaching to the next level.”
Alex Marchuk, who has coached U23 and Junior crews at World Championships, looks forward to expanding her coaching network and technical expertise. “I am really excited to be a part of this year’s MIC Coaching Program to continue to further my coaching skills and development. I have had some amazing coach mentors at the Calgary Rowing Club and Alberta Rowing, so I am looking forward to expanding my network of mentors to help me grow as a coach.”
MIC Coaching Program Alumni play an essential role in sustaining the success of this program, giving back by mentoring current candidates and staying actively involved in fostering the development of future leaders in the rowing community. Mary Rao, MIC Coaching Program Alumni, emphasized the program’s lasting impact: “Being part of the MIC Coaching Program was an incredible experience, and I am committed to supporting the next generation of coaches and contributing to the program’s ongoing success.”
RCA congratulates Michael, Zak, and Alex on their selection and looks forward to supporting their growth as coaches in the Canadian rowing community.
Today also marks the start of the RCA Performance Coach Workshop in Shawnigan Lake, BC. Taking place from February 6-8, this workshop provides coaches with an opportunity to refine their skills through both virtual and in-person sessions. This workshop offers a unique environment for coaches to expand their knowledge, gain new perspectives, and learn from experienced mentors. Like the MIC Coaching Program, the RCA Performance Coach Workshop helps equip coaches with the tools they need to support athletes at all levels, fostering continued growth within Canada’s coaching community.