DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Director of Athletics,
Dr. Rachel Burleson, has announced a restructuring of the rowing programs, with the hiring of
Allison Taylor as the next head coach for the Eagles' women's rowing program and
Sami Bay being promoted to Director of Rowing and the head coach of the men's rowing team.
Taylor joins ERAU after spending the past three seasons as the assistant men's rowing coach and recruiting coordinator at Jacksonville University. In addition to leading recruiting efforts at JU, she coached the second and third varsity boats and oversaw equipment operations.
"Coach Taylor brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the future of our women's rowing program," said Burleson. "We believe her approach to developing student-athletes and building a championship-caliber culture will have an immediate impact on our rowers and provide them with an exceptional student-athlete experience."
Prior to Jacksonville, Taylor served as the head women's coach at Olentangy Rowing Club from 2020-23 and the head rowing coach at Westerville Rowing Club from 2017-20. She also spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Grand Valley State University, where she coached the novice women's program and helped lead the F/N8+ to a third-place finish at the 2016 Dad Vail Regatta.
The native of Westerville, Ohio began her coaching career with the Ohio State University Rowing Club in 2012-13 before serving as an assistant coach at Lafayette College in 2013-14. While earning an Exercise Science degree at Jacksonville, Taylor was a four-year member of the Jacksonville rowing team team, serving as a team captain during the 2011-12 season and was a four-time youth nationals qualifier with Westerville Rowing Club.
Bay is entering her fifth season at ERAU, where she has helped the Eagles win three Sunshine State Conference championships and the 2024 NCAA Division II national championship during her tenure.
After being named interim head coach in April, Bay helped lead the Eagles' V8+ to its fourth consecutive Sunshine State Conference championship, while both the V8+ and V4+ finished fourth at the 2026 NCAA Division II Rowing Championships. For the team's regional and national success, Bay was named the 2026 CRCA South Region Coach of the Year.
Dr. Burleson added, "I am looking forward to seeing where Coach Bay and Coach Taylor can lead our rowing programs as we continue to compete for conference and national championships while upholding our student, person, player philosophy."
The restructuring will also provide additional support for both programs, with a full-time assistant coach being assigned to the women's rowing team along with a graduate assistant coach now working with the men's rowing team.
