Wilhelm’s coaching staff includes associate head coach Andrew Wieler, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Ariel Handler, rigger Richard Schroeder, and athletic trainer Emily Granger.
Success in rowing, Joe Wilhelm will tell you, is never about just one person. It’s a team sport in every sense — from the athletes pulling in unison on the water to the staff working behind the scenes.
That all-for-one philosophy paid off again this spring as Wilhelm was named Region 2 Coach of the Year by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association for the third consecutive season.
Northeastern’s staff earned Region 2 Staff of the Year honors, also for the third straight year, underscoring the program’s culture of sustained excellence.
“Rowing is such a team sport that it is tough to recognize one person with a season-ending award,” said Wilhelm, now in his 26th year at the helm of Northeastern’s program. “There have been a lot of people responsible for our success over the years. Our entire staff — including coaches, our boatman, trainers, strength coaches and academic support — have all contributed to our results.”
Wilhelm’s coaching team includes associate head coach Andrew Wieler, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Ariel Handler, rigger Richard Schroeder and athletic trainer Emily Granger. Together, they steered Northeastern to its 11th consecutive Coastal Athletic Association title and another berth in the NCAA championship this past season.
“I am honored that we have been selected by our peers as coach and coaching staff of the year,” Wilhelm said. “But the award really recognizes the work of many people, including, of course, the student-athletes. We couldn’t do any of this without their hard work and commitment to Northeastern rowing.”
Region 2 is the largest of the CRCA’s five regions and includes programs from the CAA, Patriot League and MAAC. Fellow coaches vote on the awards, which reflect a team’s success on the water as well as its year-over-year improvement, professionalism and integrity.