Sam Grant joins TGSRC as Head Coach

As we kick-off the 2023/24 rowing season, we are thrilled to introduce our new head coach - Sam Grant.

Sam spent a gap year coaching with Takapuna Grammar School in 2006, and 17 years on we are fortunate to have him back to share his passion for athlete development and performance enhancement.

Sam is joining us off the back of the championship season in England with Latymer Upper School and Molesey Boat Club. He brings 20 years of knowledge and a demonstrated history of success at Junior, University, Club, and at International levels – including coaching multiple GBR crews including the Junior Mens Eight and Coxed Four at the 2022 European Champs that both won gold, the Junior Mens 4- in 2016 (Gold) & Junior Mens Eight 2015 as well as coaching at four GBR France matches between 2013-2016 picking up wins in the Junior Mens Eight, Coxed Four & Pair events.

Sam’s background includes a Bachelor's degree and a post-graduate diploma in Sport and Exercise Science and Human Performance from Brunel University London. With a proven ability to provide education, and performance strategies to athletes, his expertise extends to statistical data analysis and sports psychology.

In addition to his coaching skills, Sam is an experienced Strength and Conditioning specialist with a focus on athlete and youth development. He founded the Athlete Development Program at Eton College and currently served as the Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach across all age groups at Latymer Upper School.

Fortunately for the Takapuna crews, Sam has experience coaching on the tidal areas of the Thames in London.

Sam’s coaching history ranges from Senior Rowing Coach and Boys 1st VIII Coach at Shrewsbury School, where he coached rowers for national competitions and selection into the GBR Junior team through to eight years at Eton College Boat Club, where he served as a full-time Rowing Professional.

Sam will arrive in Auckland in August to lead our coaching staff and the current crews of Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club. Following this, the club will start recruitment for our Learn to Row programme

Bring it!