Ali Williams, Head Coach
I have been coaching for 13 years now. Starting my coaching career in Australia in the GPS school systems. I moved to Edmonton Alberta where I was the Head coach of the Edmonton Rowing club for 5 years building the program to one of the top 10 clubs in the country. In Canada I coached my first Jnr international women's team at CanAmMex games. From there in 2015 I moved to Oxford University Women's Boat Club as the Assistant and Head Coach for the Women's Boat Race.
Now I am going into my second year as the Head Coach of Christ Church, and am really excited for the season ahead.
Ole Tietz
I coached at Christ Church during the past season and enjoyed working with the M1 and W1 crews, as well as a number of novice athletes on their way into the top boats. I have coached for the past 10 years and rowed for just over 15 years at Imperial College BC in London, the Edmonton RC in Canada, and with the German National Team as a lightweight rower. I am excited for my second season at Christ Church and can’t wait to see you all out on the water!
Lucy Burgess
I have been coaching for a year now at Headington School, I love being a coach passing on my knowledge and helping others to progress and enjoy the sport! I was a rower myself for 11 years, representing GB at junior and U23s level. I am really excited to be joining the Christ church coaching team this year, and to share my love and enthusiasm for the sport with you all in this coming season!
Sam Fennessy
I am from Melbourne, Australia. I have been involved in rowing for 9 years, including coaching for the past 5. As a rower I have always had a great passion for the sport but never the ability, so I began coaching and have loved every minute of it. I coached at Carey Baptist Grammar school including the Senior Boys 2nd VIII along with coaching at Banks Rowing Club with the club and elite men and women. I’m bloody excited for the season ahead and also look forward to knocking back a few cold ones with you all along the way.
James White
I have been at Christ church for 5 years now as a student and coach, and understand the pressures rowing demands on both sides! A sculler (two oared rower) at school, I represented GB at the European and World Junior Championships, before learning to sweep for both the Oxford reserve and blue boats (which is why, Ali would say, I never wear any other kit than dark blue!) Coaching m2 and M3 through summer eights, I am never happier than when deep in the pain cave on the erg or out on the water with my crews, and I can't wait to meet any people keen to learn the art of the hang and bang!
Sherlock
Sherlock is our mental health coach. He’s the judging eye from the launch expecting more from us every session.
He enjoys cheese, sticks larger than his face, balls and cuddles. Despite his young age he’s got lots of experience and he is always happy to greet you for an early morning outing.
