New York, NY , United States
English, German
The RowLab seeks to create an environment where athletes develop from who they are, into who they may become. Transformation through training is a central tenant of our philosophy. Training plans are maturation and experience dependent, ensuring optimal growth and development.
Nich Lee Parker leads The RowLab. He collaborates with up and coming coaches on all plans, with the goal of improving the overall rowing community through applied sport science and proven best practices.
Nich Lee Parker is a two-time IRA National Champion rowing coach that focuses on building integrated models of performance using research from applied physiology, biomechanics, and psychology. Since 2009 he has been a member of the Columbia University coaching staff, serving as Head Coach of the Lightweight Rowing Program since 2013. He was 2018 Ivy League Coach of the Year, and his 2016 National Championship team was featured in the documentary "The Boathouse: Columbia University Rowing".
Prior to joining Columbia he served in assistant roles with Yale, Purdue, and the USRowing Junior National Team.
Nich offers a unique approach to coaching rooted in his academic studies in sport science, which he has used to build sustainable top-tier programs and foster environments where athletes achieve peak performance. He has a doctorate in biomechanics with a focus in neuroscience and motor control. In addition to coaching, he has edited two books on the technical and mental components of rowing and has presented at rowing conferences.
He holds a MS in Sports Pedagogy & Administration from Purdue and earned a dual BA in Music Education and German Language & Literature from Ohio State. He is also a concert-level musician (bassoon).