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A Conversation with Guy Monseair: Fostering Leadership and Community Through Rowing

August 13, 2024

Guy Monseair is the esteemed Head Coach and Executive Director at City Island Rowing in Bronx, NY. His journey from entrepreneurship in art galleries and horticulture to coaching rowing is as unique as it is inspiring.

At City Island Rowing, Guy has dedicated himself to not only training athletes in the sport of rowing but also instilling in them valuable life skills, emphasizing holistic development, and nurturing leadership qualities.

What inspired your transition from the world of art and horticulture to coaching rowing?

The transition came from a realization during my volunteer work as a rowing coach. While I enjoyed the creativity and independence of my previous roles, I discovered that through coaching I was able to make a truly meaningful difference in young people’s lives. It was immensely rewarding to see them grow both athletically and in their sense of self and ability. Perhaps most importantly, with the pathways to college recruiting and scholarships made possible through competitive rowing, it is no exaggeration to say – life changing. The satisfaction derived from making a tangible impact in their lives drew me completely into coaching.

How do you integrate lessons from your entrepreneurial background into your coaching?

First and foremost, hard work is the surest route to success. In addition, my entrepreneurial background taught me a lot about innovation, risk management, and strategic planning. I bring these aspects into my coaching by continuously seeking innovative training methods, assessing the risks and benefits of new techniques, and strategically planning our competitive and training schedules. My experience with art, particularly, helps me appreciate and teach the finer details of technique and the aesthetic aspects of rowing.

Can you describe a key challenge you faced in your coaching career and how you addressed it?

One significant challenge was enhancing team cohesion and individual responsibility among diverse groups of athletes. To address this, I implemented leadership development programs that included collaborative challenges and team-building activities outside of regular training. These initiatives helped athletes understand their roles within the team better and fostered a supportive environment where everyone is accountable to each other.

In your opinion, how does rowing contribute to developing future leaders?

Rowing is an excellent sport for developing leaders because it demands physical, mental, and emotional synchronization with the entire team.Rowing is often referred to as the “ultimate team sport”, in which there are no heroes and no MVPs. Understanding that we can accomplish more when everyone works together, lending their skills and strengths as best they can, helps to create the leaders of tomorrow. It teaches respect, resilience, communication, strategic thinking, and teamwork. I emphasize these aspects in training, ensuring that athletes not only focus on physical strength but also on leadership skills that will benefit them beyond rowing.

How do you ensure athletes maintain a balance between their sporting commitments and academic responsibilities?

Balancing sports and academics is crucial. I work closely with athletes and their families to create schedules that allow enough time for training, studies, and rest. City Island Rowing is unique among nationally competitive programs in that we give our athletes two whole afternoons off per week, to ensure they have the time to excel academically and to rest. This holistic approach ensures that athletes do not neglect their education while pursuing excellence in rowing.

What’s your perspective on the role of nutrition and physical recovery in rowing?

Nutrition and recovery are foundational to athletic performance. We collaborate with nutritionists to tailor diets that enhance performance and facilitate recovery. Additionally, I stress the importance of proper rest and recovery techniques, including getting enough sleep, active recovery sessions, to ensure athletes remain in peak condition.

Could you share a memorable moment from your coaching career?

A particularly memorable moment was leading our team to a national championship. What made it special was not just the victory, but the journey—the countless hours of training, the teamwork, the setbacks we overcame together. It encapsulated everything we work for: excellence, resilience, and unity.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a rowing coach?

For those looking to enter coaching, my advice is to be passionate not only about the sport but also about mentoring young individuals. Be patient, be willing to continually learn and adapt, and always prioritize the well-being of your athletes. Coaching is as much about developing good people as it is about developing good athletes.

Are there any new initiatives at City Island Rowing that you’re particularly excited about?

We are currently expanding our community outreach programs and exploring partnerships with environmental organizations to promote sustainability in sports. These initiatives are exciting as they extend our impact beyond rowing, contributing to social and environmental causes, and helping our athletes become responsible citizens.

This comprehensive approach to coaching—emphasizing skill, leadership, academic success, and community involvement—illustrates how Guy Monseair is not just coaching athletes but is truly molding future leaders through the sport of rowing.