Villanova University head women’s rowing coach Carissa Adams today announced the hiring of Mollie Cusack as a Wildcat assistant coach.
Cusack arrives at Villanova from Jacksonville University where she spent one year as a graduate assistant coach. During her stint at Jacksonville, she helped recruit and develop walk-on rowers, in addition to working alongside the head coach and assistant coach to maximize team performance. Cusack oversaw the novice four who placed 4th at the 2018 Dad Vail Regatta, and the second varsity eight who placed first at the 2018 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship, where the team earned a bid for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship
“We are honored and thrilled to add Mollie Cusack to our rowing staff. Her coaching experience and passion for the sport made her a stand out candidate for the position,” said Adams. “It was evident during the interview process that Mollie was going to be a great fit to help round out our coaching staff and our campus community.”
Prior to her stint at Jacksonville, Cusack was the head masters and juniors coach at the Bachelors Barge Club in Philadelphia for three years where she taught skill and technique to rowers with two to ten years of experience.
"I am very excited for the opportunity to work with Carissa and her staff, as well as the student-athletes at Villanova,” said Cusack. “I couldn't be more proud to be a part of such a renowned University, and look forward to continuing to grow the rowing program."
Cusack began her coaching career at Drexel University in 2013 as an undergraduate assistant coach. In this position, she assisted the freshmen/novice coach in recruiting through organizing open house events, providing on campus tours, and scheduling official visits. She also coached novice and varsity boats throughout the fall and spring season.
She is a 2014 graduate of Drexel University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management. Cusack was also a member of the Drexel crew team serving as captain during the 2012-13 season.
