The SCH girls rowing program emphasizes the development of the scholar-athlete in the ultimate team sport. This development starts and ends with continued self-improvement in all the training skills needed to be successful: commitment, lifestyle, time management, strength, conditioning, and mental discipline.

The crew program teaches basic sculling skills utilizing our state-of-the-art indoor rowing tank and erg room, located in the Vare field house. The team also builds endurance and strength with conditioning and lifting sessions throughout the winter months to prepare for the spring season on the water. SCH is fortunate to row out of the University Barge Club on Philadelphia’s historic Boathouse Row.

The team competes in the Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association’s Manny Flick City Series Regattas, the Stotesbury Cup Regatta (the largest scholastic regatta in the world), the Scholastic Rowing Association of America (SRAA) Championships, and the U.S. Rowing Association Youth Championships, as well as other local regattas as scheduling permits. In past years, the girls have won Philadelphia City Championships, Stotesbury Championships, SRAA Championships and have had numerous finalist finishes in all of our races.

Many of our athletes go on to row in college, and beyond. Most notably, Springside alumna Jen Sager ’12 raced internationally following her successful career at Trinity College, competing in the World Championships in 2015 and 2018. Sager is a 2022 Springside Hall of Fame inductee.

Veteran coach Steve McGuinn has maintained a very successful program in his 20-plus year career at SCH, during which he has coached both the girls and boys teams. McGuinn rowed for Father Judge and Temple University and is also a lieutenant for the Wildwood Beach Patrol.