Originally from England, Hugo developed as a cox and competed with Bedford School’s 1V8 in his junior and senior years. As well as spending time with junior international crews, he also coxed Star Club to the Thames Cup final at Henley Royal Regatta and won the Jackson Trophy with the club the following year. Whilst attending Birmingham University, he continued to cox in his freshman year, competing with the club’s 1V8 and 1V4 at the British University Championships. Hugo spent his early coaching years at Canford School coaching junior boys and at Warwick University where he led the women’s team to a club record 43rd at WeHORR. Hugo moves to Gainesville having spent the last two years at Washington State University. Alongside completing a master’s degree in Sport Management, Hugo coached the WSU Club Women’s squad, taking a win at Head of the Lake and winning medals at ACRA National Championships in both 2018 and 2019.

Donovan’s involvement with GAR began when he was in second grade and his older sister joined the team. Over the next 4 years he traveled around the Southeast watching his sister excel in the sport and this success, which included two trips to nationals, drove Donovan to the decision to pick rowing over other sports. Donovan began his rowing career at GAR the summer after fifth grade and rowed through his senior year, being elected captain his senior year. He began coaching for GAR the summer after graduating from St. Francis Catholic High school here in Gainesville. Donovan looks forward to using his 15 years of experience in and around rowing to help GAR achieve great things. He enjoys having the opportunity to help people and fellow rowers fall in love with rowing like he did all those years ago.

Brett began rowing when he was a sophomore in high school and fell in love with rowing. Brett loves being on the water and couldn’t imagine life without boats. He also has a passion for fishing which he has been doing for as long as he can remember!

Brett is a GAR Alumni and was Men’s Captain for two years. He is currently attending Santa Fe College and aspires to transfer to FAU to study Naval Architecture.

Brett is excited to be GAR’s Middle School Head Coach and is looking forward to a fun year!