Temple University Athletics
Women’s Rowing Announces Hiring of Three New Coaches
9.18.23 | Women's Rowing
PHILADELPHIA — The Temple Women's Rowing program announced the hiring of former Owls athletes Kelsey Franks as associate head coach and Noah Legendre as assistant coach. The Owls are also adding former California Berkley rower Dominique Marlin Andrews to the staff as an assistant coach
"I could not be more excited to bring two alums back to Temple and welcome in a new Owl into the squad," Temple Head Coach Rebecca Grzybowski said.
Franks and Legendre both come to Temple by way of La Salle Rowing, where Franks spent the last year as head coach and Legendre was the team's assistant coach. Franks was a member of the Temple Women's Rowing team from 2012-16 and Legendre competed for the Men's Crew team from 2017-19.
During her time at Temple, Franks competed for the team's Varsity 4 and Varsity 8 boats as a coxswain. With Franks at the helm, the Owls placed third in the Varsity 8 at the 2016 American Athletic Conference Championship and took home third in the team standings.
"My experience as a student-athlete at Temple truly changed my life, giving me the skills, grit, and confidence that have helped me continue to pursue excellence post-grad," Franks said. "I am grateful to return to my alma mater in this role and provide that elevated experience to this next generation of Owls."
"Kelsey was a pivotal leader on the team during her tenure as a student-athlete, serving as Varsity Eight coxswain for four straight years with countless medals and awards to her name," Grzybowski said. "She is a natural leader and contributor at the highest level with the unique ability to challenge and draw out the best in those around her. Her belief in this team is palpable, her energy is contagious, and I am beyond thrilled to team up with her again and continue elevating Temple Women's Rowing to new heights."
As head coach at La Salle, Franks led the Explorers to a sixth-place finish at the 2023 Atlantic 10 Championship, marking the highest finish for the program since 1998. Franks served as the team's assistant coach in the year prior and was previously the head coach at Tampa Preparatory School, where she led the team to state championships in the Men's Varsity 4, Women's Lightweight 1x, Men's Freshmen 4+, and Women's Freshmen 4+.
"I am thrilled to be back at Temple as Associate Head Coach," Franks said. "Rebecca has been my role model and mentor in this sport for over a decade, and I am honored to now stand by her side and work together in pursuit of a conference championship title."
As a member of the Temple Men's Crew team, Legendre was a part of the Varsity 4 boat that placed 10th at the 2018 Dad Vail Regatta and the Freshman 8 boat that won its category at the 2018 Kerr Cup.
"It is a great honor to return to Temple University as a Women's Rowing Coach," Legendre said. "This team has the potential to dominate the conference, and I am proud to become a part of the staff that is going to get us there. I am excited to learn from Rebecca Grzybowski, one of the best in the business, while continuing to work alongside Kelsey Franks, who got me started in the D1 Coaching world."
"Noah is a rising star in the coaching world," Grzybowski said. "He is a high performer on all levels with a proven track record of coaching and recruiting success, and a talent for communication. His connections in the rowing community, his passion for Temple and his enthusiasm for developing student-athletes will make an immediate positive impact on the team and our overall speed."
Andrews competed on Cal's 3V8 boat that placed third at the Pac-12 Championships in 2022 and second at the 2022 San Diego Crew Classic.
"Dom brings a unique perspective as a four-year member of a perpetual top-10 program," Grzybowski said. "Her personal experience and understanding of high-performance has already had a positive impact, and she has a great technical eye on the water. I am excited to see her continue to grow in a coaching role."
