University of Connecticut Women's Rowing

Jennifer Sanford is in her 29 th season as the head coach of the University of Connecticut rowing program in 2025-2026. She was named the head rowing coach i...

Associate Head Coach (18th Season) Ally Zoppa, a 2008 and 2012 UConn graduate, is in her 18th season as an assistant coach and 7th season as Associate Head Coach of the University of Connecticut rowing program in 2025-2026. Zoppa was a four-year member of the UConn team and was team captain in her senior year. As a junior, she stroked UConn’s lightweights to a silver medal in the Second Varsity Four at the Big East Championship. She was also a member of the Novice Eight that placed third at both the Big East Championship and the Dad Vail Regatta in 2005. A native of East Hartford, Conn., she earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies with minors in English and Psychology and her master’s degree in Sport Management. She has coached rowers of all ages since 2005 through the Riverfront Recapture Program in Hartford. At UConn, Zoppa assists with all aspects of the program. Her 2009 Novice Eight placed third at the Dad Vail Regatta. Her 2010 Novice Eight placed third at the Knecht Cup Regatta, second at the Big East Championship, and first at the Dad Vail Regatta. Her 2015 and 2017 Third Varsity Eights both placed second at the American Athletic Conference Championship. Her 2023 First Varsity Four placed first at the Irving-Christensen Cup and third at the Knecht Cup Regatta. Her 2024 First Varsity Four placed second at the Coastal Athletic Association Championship.

Assistant Coach (Fourth Season) Audrey Kelley, a 2016 UConn graduate and former team captain, is in her fourth season as an assistant coach for the UConn rowing program in 2025-2026. Kelley returns to UConn following a four-year stint as a coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of Delaware rowing team. From 2012 through 2016, Kelley was a UConn rower – eventually becoming team captain, while also serving on UConn Husky Reach. She graduated with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts, focusing on Human Development and Family Studies. In the years prior to her stint at the University of Delaware, Kelley served as a coach for the Middlebury College men and women's crew teams. Kelley serves as Recruiting Coordinator for the Huskies. Her 2024 Third Varsity Eight placed third at the Knecht Cup. Her 2025 Third Varsity Eight placed second at the Knecht Cup and third at the Coastal Athletic Association Championship.

Huskies Earn Best-Ever Finish with Runner-Up Performance at CAA Championship, Head Coach Jennifer Sanford Named CAA Coach of the Year Huskies Earn Best-Ever Finish with Runner-Up Performance at CAA Championship, Head Coach Jennifer Sanford Named CAA Coach of the Year Saturday, May 16