Our Coaches
Stefan Koch, Program Director
Varsity Women Head Coach
Coach Stefan learned how to row at the University of Pennsylvania and JEB Stuart HS. He began coaching at George Mason University, then served as the Varsity Girl’s Coach at Robinson, 2000-2005, while also teaching Social Studies, and returned to Robinson in 2018. His athletes won Gold in the Girls' 2nd 8 event at Stotesbury in 2002 and a Virginia state title in the Varsity 4 in ’05, and other States medals in those years. In 2019 Coach Stefan led the Robinson Novice Boy’s 8 to 2nd place at States and the 4th 8 to 1st place. In 2021 he took over as Program Director of Robinson Crew.
Following his first stay at Robinson, Coach Stefan moved to Seattle, living there for 5 years. He taught history in a suburban Seattle high school and coached for Mount Baker Crew. He took several crews to USRowing Youth Nationals, placing as high as 5th in the Boy’s Varsity 8. In 2010, Stefan took over as the Novice Men’s and Women’s Coach at Loyola University Maryland. He served in that role for 3 years, during which the Loyola Ltwt Women’s 4 placed 4th at the IRA National Championship. Stefan also served as Varsity Boys Coach for five seasons at Oakton H.S. and coaches in the Summer & Fall for Resilient Rowing. His Oakton Boys team won gold in the Pair at the 2016 NSRA Nationals, in 2017 the Oakton Boy’s 2nd 8 won Silver at Virginia States and the Lightweight 4 won Gold. In 2018 the 1st 8 finished 4th at States. The 3rd 8 won Bronze in ’17 & ’18. Stefan is certified by USRowing as a Level III coach, and also works as a substitute teacher in Fairfax County.
Matthew Petty
Varsity Men Head Coach
Matthew Petty joined the Robinson Crew coaching team in 2017 as the boys' head coach and varsity coach. His rowing career started as a freshman at West Springfield High School.
"It was my privilege to have made the varsity boat after freshman year. Spending the next three years on the starboard 3 and 5 seat, I was named to the All Virginia teams as a junior and senior with times in the 6:30s. Setting high goals, our boat placed second at both the VASRA state championships and NCASRA championships. My high school rowing career ended with a personal 2k record of 6:21 (1:35.2 500m split) and selection to the 2003 All-Met team."
Still having a love and passion for the sport of rowing, and wanting to give back and help others succeed, Coach Matt started coaching at West Springfield as an assistant freshman boys coach in 2004. In 2010, he had the opportunity to move up to a head coaching job, and spent the next six years coaching the West Springfield varsity boys. His experience also includes coaching the NVRC masters and juniors from 2006-2013. In Fall 2013, Coach Matt co-founded Resilient Rowing Club and coaches the competitive boys’ teams in the summer and fall.
Cath Courtney
Novice Boys Coach
Coach Cath joined the Robinson Crew coaching team in 2022 to lead the novice boys team.
Having been an athlete throughout her entire school career and adult life, rowing was a natural progression for Coach Cath. The Occoquan has been her "home river" having rowed and raced for NVRC (Northern Virginia Rowing Club) and OBC (Occoquan Boat Club). She continues to row and hone her skills as a sweep rower and a sculler.
As a qualified indoor rowing coach, she teaches classes at Row House Fairfax. She has also obtained her U.S. Rowing Certification.