Loree Arnold – Head Coach
Coach Loree began her rowing career at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park nine years ago, and she has raced competitively in over 60 races for the last six years in a variety of boats, regattas, and venues, including three times in Boston at the Head of the Charles 2016-2018 and at the 2018 FISA World Masters Regattas in Sarasota, Florida. She also competed in the Mid-Atlantic Erg Sprints taking first place in 2016 in the 2K Lightweight Woman’s Masters event, and first place in the 2017 Woman’s Masters Quad slide race. Rowing has been a life changing activity for Loree, and she believes it is very important embrace the role fitness can play in our overall health and well-being.
Coach Loree has coached for Blair Crew for the last four years, becoming the team’s Head Coach in fall 2019. As U.S. Rowing Level II Certified Coach, she focuses on prioritizing individual fitness, increasing technical skills and promoting teamwork as goals that will lead to a rewarding season. Off water, Coach Loree is a practicing registered architect and LEED Accredited Professional, and also teaches as adjunct faculty at Montgomery College on the topic of “sustainable architecture”.
Nikolaus Meyer – Assistant Coach
Nikolaus, a rower of 5 years, first began rowing his junior year of high school. He graduated from Thomas Sprigg Wootton High School in 2017 and is now a junior pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland.
Nikolaus joined the University of Maryland Mens Crew team his freshmen year and has since made his way up the team, being elected as the teams treasurer in 2018 and president in 2019. Currently serving as the president, Maryland Mens Crew is looking to have their most competitive spring season in their 20 year history for the upcoming 2020 calendar year.
Nikolaus first started coaching in spring of 2019 as an assistant coach with Elizabeth Seton High Schools rowing team, he then joined Blair crew for the fall season, and is now returning once again for the spring.
Courtney Farber – Assistant Coach
Assistant Coach Courtney Farber came to crew in her 30s after many years of watching the sport and wanting to participate. After learning to row at Thompson Boat House, Courtney joined on with Potomac Boat Club and settled in to 7 seat quite comfortably. She competed two times at the Head of the Charles and still thinks of those races as high points in her career as an athlete.
Courtney Farber is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer, a sports enthusiast, and a mom. With a background in dance, free weights, aerobics, bootcamp-style classes, and yoga, Courtney has taught many people the importance of health and wellness for the last 30 years. Courtney’s key focus working with Blair Crew is to maximize the athletes’ core strength, mobility, flexibility, and mental resilience. A solid foundation off the water will yield excellent results on the water.