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Sept. 1, 2010

NORMAN, Okla. – Emma Gresson, a native of Hamilton, New Zealand, has joined the Oklahoma rowing staff as an assistant coach. Gresson previously worked with the Orlando (Fla.) Area Rowing Society (OARS), assisting with the junior girls’ program and coached and co-coordinated the men’s masters program.

 “I am thrilled to have Emma on board as a member of our coaching staff,” said Oklahoma head coach Leeanne Crain. “I know she will do a great job guiding our novice athletes in their first year of collegiate rowing.  She is a perfect fit for our program.  Her passion, enthusiasm, and love of the sport will factor significantly in the growth and development of our novice team.” 

While with OARS, Gresson guided the junior girls’ won two state titles, a regional win and a second-place finish at the regional championship. In both roles with the junior girls’ and men’s masters, she taught new athletes basic rowing skills and technique, as well as developing competitive crews.

In addition to her position at OARS, Gresson worked in the athletics academics office at her alma mater, the University of Central Florida.

Gresson competed collegiately at UCF. As a member of the varsity eight, Gresson experienced strong success at UCF. She graduated with a degree in psychology from UCF in 2009. Gresson is a two-time Conference-USA Commissioner’s Academic Medal honoree.

In her native New Zealand, Gresson attended Otago University and was a member of the university’s varsity squad. While there, she was selected for the Otago Regional Performance Center. In 2006, Gresson placed first in the New Zealand National Championship regatta in the U21 eight. She was chosen for the New Zealand University Team, where she competed in a Trans-Tasman Duel against Australia. That same year she placed second at New Zealand National Championship regatta in the women's club eight.

“To work with Coach Crain and Coach (Marina) Traub at the University of Oklahoma is an opportunity of a life time,” Gresson said. “Both coaches have great experience with successful programs all over the country and the OU rowing team has the support and backing that programs require to be successful at the NCAA level.”