Meet The Team: Mark Davis, Athlete Support & Retention Manager
Welcome Mark!
Before Mark’s time at GPRF, he was the executive director at the Sammamish Rowing Association for three years, and before that, a long-time collegiate rowing coach.
When not working, he likes to spend time with his family outdoors in the wonderful PNW wilderness, hiking and camping.
How long have you been part of the GPRF?
I started working at the GPRF on November 28th, so one month!
How does your position impact the GPRF?
I am responsible for planning and leading the implementation of the GPRF's Athlete Support and Retention Program. My goal is to expand our ability to dismantle barriers to youth rowing.
Where and when did you start rowing?
I started rowing in my junior year of high school in Massachusetts in the fall of 1987. I transitioned to a new school and was tired of playing soccer, so I tried rowing and fell in love with it at the first practice.
What is your favorite memory of rowing?
I have so many wonderful rowing memories, both as an athlete and coach. It is hard to pick out a favorite, so I will go with a recent one! In the fall of 2021, I raced at the Head of the Charles in the Grand Master's eight with my former college teammates, many of whom had not been in a boat in decades.
During the months of training before the race, we sent each other text messages with workout updates and encouragement. We quickly fell back into our roles of teammates, supporting each other, working hard to not let anyone down, and always thinking about how fast we could make the boat. The race itself was a blast. While we weren't that fast, we weren't that slow – but more importantly, we had a lot of fun. It was a wonderful reminder of why I love rowing.
Who inspires you the most in the sport?
The person who is getting in the boat for the first time. Whether you are an adult or a student, getting in the boat for the first time is scary. It is a completely unique environment. Your brain is overloaded with everything you need to do to execute the rowing stroke. You have to be in time with other people whose brains are also on overload. And the boat is really tippy!
I love seeing people get in the boat for the first time. Watching them execute a stroke and seeing their faces light up when the boat starts to move. It's the best. Every rower has a first stroke and to be a part of that with someone is truly special.
In life?
My two boys, Noah and Elijah. They are funny, smart, creative, and – most importantly –kind. Every day I look at them and think there isn't a problem they can't solve; the future is in good hands… unless they haven't done their chores or are wearing the same clothes for the third day in a row, then I wonder if we are all doomed!
How has your rowing experience changed during COVID-19?
Right before the pandemic, I had moved away from collegiate coaching and my focus was starting to shift away from competition as a measurement of success. COVID-19 accelerated this process. Competitions were gone and I had to reestablish what rowing success means. Now I think about ways of improving the sport and how we can make it more accessible for those who have been traditionally excluded from rowing.
What advice would you give to someone considering rowing for the first time?
Rowing, like many sports, is the best way to figure out who you are. You will learn more about yourself and others than any other activity. And it is so much FUN!
Do you have a favorite workout?
I am a big fan of steady-state workouts. I know it can be boring but there is something mystical about falling into a great rhythm, when you stop thinking about the movements, they just happen. This can happen in a team boat, a single, and even the erg.
For reminding myself that I am alive, I like 3 x 10' (4;@22, 3'@24, 2'@26, 1'@28) with 3' rest. It doesn't take up a lot of time while working on different energy zones and the pain doesn't last long!
