Vanessa Tavalero has been appointed as the head coach of UCLA Rowing, according to an announcement made by Martin Jarmond, The Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics at UCLA. The announcement was made on Thursday, July 3.
“Vanessa brings championship-level experience to our program, both as an assistant under some of the top coaches in the nation, and as a two-time national champion rower,” stated Jarmond. “Her strong leadership qualities stood out immediately, and we are excited to bring her aboard to begin a new era of UCLA Rowing.”
Tavalero’s most recent role was as the associate head coach for the Cal Golden Bears. She rejoined Berkeley’s coaching staff in August 2024 after previously serving there from 2011-2019 as an assistant coach and initially as a volunteer assistant.
“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead UCLA Women’s Rowing,” expressed Tavalero. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Martin Jarmond, Kayla Shirey, and the entire UCLA Athletics department for their trust and support. Throughout my career, I have been inspired by programs that empower student-athletes through inclusion, discipline, and a pursuit of excellence—values that are at the very heart of the Bruin community.”
UCLA is recognized for its tradition in athletic and academic achievements. Tavalero emphasized her commitment to building on this legacy with a team culture focused on respect, character, and effort. “Our goal will always be to help our student-athletes become the best versions of themselves, on and off the water,” she added.
Prior to returning to Berkeley, Tavalero served as an assistant coach at Saint Mary’s from 2020-2022. Al Acosta, Cal’s head coach commented on her appointment saying: “UCLA is extremely fortunate to have Coach Tavalero lead the next generation of Bruins… More importantly, she’s a great person, mother, and role model.”
Tavalero is also noted for her time at Washington where she was both a graduate and former rower before taking up roles such as assistant coach from 2010-11. Her earlier coaching experiences include positions at UC Davis (2009-10), Sacramento State (2007-09), and Capital Crew (2004-07).
As a senior rower in 2000 at Washington University, she led her team to significant victories including second place finishes at NCAA Championships alongside winning titles like Pac-10 Championship during her tenure.
Before attending Washington University herself starting in freshman year with back-to-back NCAA Championships wins (1997 & 1998), Vanessa had already represented U.S Junior National Team between years ’94-’95 showcasing early promise within sport itself prior collegiate level engagement thereafter upon graduating Fair Oaks California native securing degree metals jewelry major class year twenty-thousand mark finalizing education pathway decision-making process therein overall journey culmination towards today’s announced coaching position acceptance affirmation thereof finally concluded thereby thusly so forth herewith accordingly stated aforementioned details therein above described text contextually provided accordingly reported herein now complete concluding report submission finalized hereby ending document article closure note appended below following section designation sequence marking completion task execution operation fulfillment requirement met successfully achieved outcome desired result attained accomplishment realized…
