Susan is an internationally recognized rower, coach, and motivational speaker with a passion for writing and helping others. Despite her start as an uncoordinated basketball player, she discovered the sport of rowing at the University of Pennsylvania and immediately fell in love with it.

Susan committed to training hard, and overcoming injuries such as fractured ribs and herniated discs, rose to the top of the sport. Her drive and perseverance paid off in the form of winning 2 Olympic gold medals and 5 World Championship titles.

The Journey...

Susan first picked up an oar at age 18 and hasn't put it down since. Her 10 years on the US team are highlighted by 5 World Championship golds, These were, however, merely stepping stones in her career. In the Beijing Olympics in 2008 she helped the US women's 8+ win their first ever gold medal racing at the 2000m distance. 

Four years later, Susan earned her second gold by helping to defend that title in London. Her most memorable race, however, was in the pair at the 2009 World Championships. In a very close race, she and partner Erin Cafaro battled to the finish line to win a historic first gold medal for the US. Their performance earned them World Rowing's 2009 Female Crew of the Year award. Susan is currently still training and coaching in San Diego, CA.