Staff Directory
Madi SantaBarbara
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
- Email:
Madison SantaBarbara was named assistant coach for Sacred Heart Women's Rowing in the fall of 2026.
She is a rower and coach from Milford, Connecticut, who began rowing in 8th grade at Great River Rowing Club. Madi 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.
Madi 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 Madi 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, Madi 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, Madi was selected to race at the Women’s Henley Regatta in England and competed internationally with Jacksonville in the 1V8.
Throughout her rowing career, Madi 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.
She is a rower and coach from Milford, Connecticut, who began rowing in 8th grade at Great River Rowing Club. Madi 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.
Madi 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 Madi 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, Madi 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, Madi was selected to race at the Women’s Henley Regatta in England and competed internationally with Jacksonville in the 1V8.
Throughout her rowing career, Madi 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.
Saturday, May 16
Tuesday, May 05
Sunday, April 26
Wednesday, April 22
