Madi SantaBarbara Named Assistant Coach of Sacred Heart Women's Rowing
9/8/2026 12:28:00 PM | Women's Rowing
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Madi SantaBarbara was named assistant coach for Sacred Heart Women's Rowing in the fall of 2026.
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Madi SantaBarbara was named assistant coach for Sacred Heart Women's Rowing in the fall of 2026.
Madison SantaBarbara is a rower and coach from Milford, Connecticut, who began rowing in 8th grade at Great River Rowing Club. She moved to Connecticut Boat Club during her sophomore year of high school, where she continued to develop as a rower under the coaching of Liz Trond. She later returned to Connecticut Boat Club to coach during the summers.
"Even though Madi went to a rival program at Jacksonville University, she embodied what we are looking for in our coaches," said Director of Rowing and Head Coach of Women's Rowing, Luke Wilhelm. "She brings positivity, she knows what it takes to win races, and she will be a great point of contact for any aspiring Pioneer. Now that we are fully staffed up, we have the team, the coaches, and the drive to pursue our first conference championship."
Madison continued her rowing career at Jacksonville University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2024 and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2026. Beginning her collegiate career during the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges that shaped her both as an athlete and as a leader. Navigating an uncertain training and competition environment taught Madison a great deal about leadership, resilience, and what it takes to become a strong athlete both mentally and physically. After her freshman year, she returned to competition at the MAAC Championships and earned the stroke seat of Jacksonville's Women's 2V8 for the following three seasons.
As stroke of the 2V8, Madison helped Jacksonville win three consecutive MAAC Championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In 2023, the 2V8 also made Jacksonville University women's rowing history at the NCAA Championships. Following the completion of her bachelor's degree, Madison was selected to race at the Women's Henley Regatta in England and competed internationally with Jacksonville in the 1V8.
Throughout her rowing career, Madison has valued the opportunities the sport has provided both on and off the water. Her experiences as a collegiate athlete, international competitor, and coach have shaped her approach to leadership and teamwork and have given her a strong appreciation for the role that rowing can play in personal growth and development.
Madison SantaBarbara is a rower and coach from Milford, Connecticut, who began rowing in 8th grade at Great River Rowing Club. She moved to Connecticut Boat Club during her sophomore year of high school, where she continued to develop as a rower under the coaching of Liz Trond. She later returned to Connecticut Boat Club to coach during the summers.
"Even though Madi went to a rival program at Jacksonville University, she embodied what we are looking for in our coaches," said Director of Rowing and Head Coach of Women's Rowing, Luke Wilhelm. "She brings positivity, she knows what it takes to win races, and she will be a great point of contact for any aspiring Pioneer. Now that we are fully staffed up, we have the team, the coaches, and the drive to pursue our first conference championship."
Madison continued her rowing career at Jacksonville University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2024 and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership in 2026. Beginning her collegiate career during the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges that shaped her both as an athlete and as a leader. Navigating an uncertain training and competition environment taught Madison a great deal about leadership, resilience, and what it takes to become a strong athlete both mentally and physically. After her freshman year, she returned to competition at the MAAC Championships and earned the stroke seat of Jacksonville's Women's 2V8 for the following three seasons.
As stroke of the 2V8, Madison helped Jacksonville win three consecutive MAAC Championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In 2023, the 2V8 also made Jacksonville University women's rowing history at the NCAA Championships. Following the completion of her bachelor's degree, Madison was selected to race at the Women's Henley Regatta in England and competed internationally with Jacksonville in the 1V8.
Throughout her rowing career, Madison has valued the opportunities the sport has provided both on and off the water. Her experiences as a collegiate athlete, international competitor, and coach have shaped her approach to leadership and teamwork and have given her a strong appreciation for the role that rowing can play in personal growth and development.
Tuesday, April 16
Friday, March 08
Friday, February 23
Friday, February 16
