Former Ithaca College rower and George Washington University assistant coach
Greta O'Hara has joined Bates as the new women's rowing assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, effective July 28, 2025.
"We are very fortunate to have someone of Greta's caliber and experience join our rowing staff here at Bates," head coach
Peter Steenstra said. "Already well respected in the coaching community, it was clear to me during our first phone conversation that Greta is a dedicated student of rowing who is passionate about coaching and focused on the development of the whole student-athlete. She understands what we're ultimately going for here and I am very much looking forward to working with her."
"As a former Division III rower, I know that Bates rowing has been a power-house in the sport for years," O'Hara said. "Bates is the team to compete with at the highest level and I could not be more excited to be a part of this driven, committed, and inspiring environment."
O'Hara joined the George Washington women's rowing coaching staff in 2024-25, managing their competitive walk-on rowing program. She spent the previous two years in a similar role at Smith College while she was earning her Master's in Exercise and Sport Studies. Under her guidance, O'Hara helped Smith return to the NCAA Division III Championship for the first time in 15 years, placing sixth. The program also featured a pair of All-Americans during O'Hara's time and recorded a program-best finish of fourth at the 2023 Head of the Charles.
O'Hara was also a member of the Smith Athletics Department Inclusion Council, leading to push forth DEI initiatives. She began her coaching career at Cascadilla Boat Club of Ithaca, N.Y., following her four years as a student-athlete at Ithaca College. During her time, the Bombers secured their first Liberty League Championship and twice placed in the top five at the NCAA Championship.
"Working with Peter Steenstra and Hannah Fitts '20, two coaches I greatly admire, is a dream come true," O'Hara said. "I could not be more aligned with the mission of Bates athletics and I'm excited for my return to DIII rowing alongside such an incredible staff and ambitious student-athlete body."
