We are GRP Row
An Olympic development rowing program based at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Craftsbury Common, Vermont. We train year-round and race throughout the country and world. Along the way, we will share our knowledge of environmental issues with our communities and encourage others to take action and live green.
With a unique mission, it is the only elite rowing program that is part of a multi-sport team. Athletes in the program are encouraged and taught to be self-sufficient, eager, curious, and humble in their professional pursuit of rowing. Our general guiding beliefs are:
The single is the lowest common denominator in our sport and, consequently, one of the most important tools.
The process of improvement has many different paths.
Improving the athlete is improving the person, and vice versa. Rowing is a tool by which to holistically grow.
See below for more details on the program in the FAQs.
For more information on our U23 offerings, please follow this link.
All questions are welcomed and should be directed to lead coach Steve Hap Whelpley at steve.whelpley@craftsbury.com
Know enough to apply? Head here.
Our Coaches
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Whelpley comes to coaching after 19 years of competitive rowing that culminated with three berths on the Senior National Team in the M1x, M4x, and M2x, international medals, & numerous world cup appearances. His rowing career started at the Milwaukee Rowing Club, continued collegiately at Colby, involved PennAC, Potomac, and GMS post-collegiately, and culminated with the Craftsbury Green Racing Project. Whelpley combines his anecdotal knowledge from domestic and international success with a constant inquiry into the sport and a study of the art of sculling.
Our Team
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Hometown Overland Park, KS
School University of Notre Dame, 2017
Major Visual Communication Design and Spanish
DOB 5/26/93
Career Highlights
2021 Olympic Trials III W2-: 3rd; 2021 Olympic Trials II W2x: 9th; 2018 World Rowing Championships W4-: Gold
Teams
2018 Senior National Team, W4-; 2014 U23 National Team, W8+ and W4-; 2013 U23 National Team, W8+
Erin enjoys writing, random creative projects, and relaxing in the great outdoors, preferably in the shade. She may be seen drinking coffee and consuming snacks like it's her job.
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Hometown Orleans, CA
School University of Washington, 2017
Major Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management
DOB 4/28/1994
Career Highlights
2019 World Championships, M2-: 13th; 2018 Fall Speed Order, M1x: Gold; 2-time IRA National Champion
Teams
2019 Senior National Team, M2-; 2016 U23 National Team, M4+; 2012 Junior National Team, M4x
Ezra enjoys hands on work such as welding and auto mechanics. He also loves camping and exploring the outdoors and would someday like to work as an NPS Ranger or Game Warden.
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Hometown Davenport, IA
School Stanford University, 2020
Major Human Biology
DOB 6/7/1998
Career Highlights
2021 US Club Nationals W2x: Gold; 2021 Olympic Trials II W2x: 8th; 2019 U23 World Rowing Championships W2x: 7th
Teams
2019 U23 National Team, W2x; 2017 U23 National Team, W4x; 2016 Junior National Team, W2x; 2015 Junior National Team, W4x; 2014 Junior National Team, W4x
While not training you can find Emily fully embracing the Vermonter lifestyle. She can often be found baking, exploring thrift shops, gardening, enjoying the natural beauty of the Green Mountains or eating dairy free Ben and Jerries.
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Hometown Tampa, FL
School University of Washington, 2022
Major Medical Anthropology & Global Health and Linguistics
DOB 6/12/1999
Career Highlights
2021 NCAA D1 Nationals W8+: 3rd; 2021 U23 World Rowing Championships W4+: 5th place; 2019 NCAA D1 National Champion, W4+
Teams
2021 U23 National Team, W4+
Holly came to Vermont with some Florida sunshine packed in her suitcase. She's as bright and sunny as her home state, but always ready to throw down with her teammates. At 6'2" you, could probably spot Holly in any crowd, and she would undoubtedly be sporting a cool t-shirt. Big welcome to our favorite big dawg.
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Hometown Fishers, IN
School University of Texas, 2018
Major Exercise Science and Psychology
DOB 5/3/1995
Career Highlights
2021 US Club Nationals W1x:10th; 2017 U23 World Championships W8+: Silver; 3-time CRCA All-American
Teams
2017 U23 National Team, W8+
Emily is a master card player, smoothie enthusiast and most importantly Texas Longhorn. She's a DIY kinda girl from chicken coops to bike restoration and despite her Indiana roots she enjoys all types of food, the more exotic the better.
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Hometown Morristown, NJ
School Columbia University, 2019
Major Sustainable Development
DOB 5/11/97
Career Highlights 2021 M2x National Champion
Alexander is passionate about sustainable building practices, spending much of his free time volunteering for affordable housing organizations. Additionally, he has won multiple speed eating competitions and is frequently found fishing, biking, and enjoying music.
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Hometown Northfield, IL
School University of Wisconsin, 2020
Major Neurobiology and Computer Science
DOB 3/3/1998
Career Highlights 2021 US Club Nationals WLtwt 2x: Gold; 2021 Olympic Trials I WLtwt 2x: 2nd; 2019 U23 World Rowing Championships WLtwt2x: 6th
Teams
2019 U23 National Team, WLtwt 2x; 2018 U23 National Team, WLtwt 2x
Graphic design is pretty cool, also painting on shirts is pretty cool :)
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Hometown Bozeman, MT
School Dartmouth College
Major Biological Sciences
DOB 5/24/2000
Career Highlights
2023 Canadian Henley Sr. Lwt 1x: 1st
2022 Head of the Charles Lwt 1x: 2nd
2022 U23 World Champs BM4x: 11th
2021 Olympic Trials LM2x: 4th
Teams
2018 U19 National Team: JM2x
2019 U23 National Team: BLM4x
2021 U23 National Team: BLM4x
2022 U23 National Team: BM4x
While not rowing Cooper can be found road biking in the summers and skiing, both downhill and nordic, in the winters.
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Hometown Wellesley, MA
School Yale University 2020, University of Texas 2021
Major Global Affairs and Marketing
DOB 2/1/1998
Career Highlights 2022 National Selection Regatta W2-: 6th; 2021 NCAA D1 National Champion, W8+; 2019 U23 World Rowing Championships W8+: 3rd
Teams
2020 U23 National Team - did not race due to covid; 2019 U23 National Team, W8+
Daisy brings her contagious laugh, cowgirl boots, and bright yellow Jeep with her as one of the newest members of the GRP. She also loves baking, stomping in rain puddles, hosting trivia nights, and is not afraid to get her hands dirty with projects. What's not to love about this Cedar Sprig with a name like Daisy.
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Hometown Berkeley, CA
School Brown University
Major Economics
Career Highlights
2022 World Rowing U23 Championships - Silver (M8+)
2022 IRA National Championships - Bronze (V8+)
2019 Head of the Charles - Gold (Championship 4: College Classification)
2018 World Rowing Junior Championships - 10th (M4-)
2018 USRowing Youth National Championships - Silver (V8+)
2017 USRowing Youth National Championships - Silver (V8+)
2016 Head of the Charles - Gold (Youth 8+)
2016 USRowing Youth National Championships - Silver (Lt8+)
Teams
The Oakland Strokes, Brown University Men’s Crew
Kai enjoys mountain biking and windsurfing. He is the proud owner of an English mastiff. In addition to his American citizenship, he also holds a Danish passport. Kai’s dad also was a rower and introduced him to the sport when he was eight years old at the Die Leythe Rowing Club in Leiden, Netherlands. Kai has two older brothers, Matias and Viggo, who rowed at Brown as well.
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Hometown Oakland, CA
School Tufts University
Major Biology
DOB 6/8/1996
Career Highlights
2022 US Rowing Nationals W1x: 6th, W2x: 4th; 2021 US Club Nationals W1x: 3rd, Junior National Champion USA Climbing, 9-time Junior National Team USA Climbing
Sera, better known as mom of the big white fluffy pup, Pepper. She brings big watts on the erg, many many reps of pull ups, and her sweet personality as one of our newest GRP row athletes. Sera might look like a clean cut lady, but she's not afraid to get down and gritty with her pursuit of rowing.
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Hometown Vashon Island, WA
School Northeastern University, 2018
Major Architectural Studies
DOB 6/19/1996
Career Highlights
2021 US Club Nationals M2x: Gold; 2021 Olympic Trials II M4x: 4th; 2021 Olympic Trials I M2x: 4th
Teams
2018 U23 National Team, M4x; 2017 U23 National Team, M4x
Jacob enjoys hiking, music, kite flying and cross country skiing.
Our Support
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Megan Chacosky MS, RD, CSSD has supported US Olympic sport teams for 8 years as a sport dietitian and performance chef; her roles have directly supported US Biathlon, USA Bobsled & Skeleton, USA Luge, USA Figure Skating, and US Ski & Snowboard teams with sport performance nutrition applications and travel chef provisions throughout athlete training and competition phases. She has impacted nutrition planning and execution for Team USA in the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.
Megan currently serves as the lead Sport Dietitian for the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, organizing nutrition provisions for the elite club programs of biathlon, rowing, running and XC skiing and supporting the Center’s seasonal dining hall menu development and delivery. Megan continues to engage as a member of the USOPC Nutrition team, collaborating with fellow Olympic dietitians and contributing to internal educational documents, dietetic protocols, and performance nutrition best practices. Megan is passionate about using sport nutrition to encourage not just peak performance, but also sustainable, positive relationships with food and body image within athlete populations.
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Will Ruth joined the GRP in 2022 as strength coach for all four sport programs. He has a BS in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Sport Psychology, an MA in Sport Coaching, and an NSCA-CSCS certification. Will lives in the nearby town of Barre, and has coached in the Craftsbury sculling camp program since 2019.
Will rowed and wrestled in high school in Olympia, Washington, and then played lacrosse and began competing in strength sports as a student at Western Washington University. He came back to rowing at Western in 2013 as the men’s team strength coach and assistant coach, where he remained until moving to Vermont in 2019. Will has also coached collegiate track and field, high school football and lacrosse, and youth and adult outdoor mountain athletes, and online strength coaching and coach/athlete-education. His work and strength coaching in rowing has been featured at rowing conferences, in the “NSCA Coach” magazine, and on the Craftsbury 2020 Sculling Webinar series.
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When Samantha Smith, MD, became a competitive rower in college, she also inadvertently chose her future career as a primary care sports medicine specialist.
“Because I had many injuries, I noticed the difference when I saw specialists who understood my sport and took it seriously so I could continue to be successful as an athlete,” says Dr. Smith, who is also board-certified in internal medicine and pediatrics. “That fueled my interest in orthopedics, and I really enjoy taking care of both adults and children.”
Dr. Smith offers nonsurgical treatment for musculoskeletal and other medical issues that occur not just in athletes, but all active people. The field of primary care sports medicine is not new, but it has been growing rapidly over the past decade, Dr. Smith notes. “With advances in ultrasound and other office-based imaging and procedures such as injections, primary care sports and nonoperative musculoskeletal providers work alongside orthopedic surgeons to provide complementary services to patients,” she says.
Pinpointing the source of a patient’s problem is one of Dr. Smith’s favorite aspects of her job. “I might see a patient with ankle pain or pain on the side of the knee, but those might just be the symptoms,” she says. “The underlying problem may be something seemingly unrelated, such as weakness in the hip, so we need to focus our treatment plan on strengthening the hip.”
Dr. Smith is an assistant professor of clinical orthopedics and rehabilitation at Yale School of Medicine.
Program FAQs
Who is the target audience for this program?
The Craftsbury Green Racing Project is designed to support and help grow two sets of athletes: development and high performance. For the development squad, the program aims to fill the gap that exists after collegiate rowing, and serve as a bridge from collegiate and national racing to international competition. The aim is for a developmental athlete to be at international standards within 2 years of being on the team. For the high performance squad, the program looks to provide a training environment that allows you to be a professional. This is in terms of both unparalleled resources and a sustainable approach to performing your best.
What is the time commitment for this program?
One does not become a faster rower overnight. It's generally at least a 3-5 year proposition and thus requires a long-term commitment, with periodic review to be sure the goal is reasonable and the progress is good. This program asks for a minimum one-year commitment - and preferably not just a one-year commitment, but this would be evaluated between coach and athlete each year. We're offering you the opportunity to pursue rowing full-time, while also maintaining some healthy balance in your life.
Why is there a written application - why not just take the fastest rowers?
We’re looking for the fastest rowers that identify with our community and lifestyle. This program has unrivaled training and race support, while also offering participants a meaningful non-rowing experience and meeting the mission of its host, the Craftsbury Outdoor Center. We’re a small community within a small community, so it’s important that we find the right fit for such an intimate environment. On top of that, the pinnacle of success for both the individual and the community will come when we find the best, genuine fit.
Who is supporting this project?
The Craftsbury Outdoor Center is the primary supporter and sponsor of the GRP, with the support of a collection of sponsors from the rowing world and beyond. The Craftsbury Outdoor Center was purchased in November 2008 and restructured into a non-profit organization with the following mission:
To support and promote participation and excellence in lifelong sports with a special focus on Rowing, Running, Nordic Skiing, and Biathlon.
To use and teach sustainable practices; and
To protect and manage the surrounding land, lake and trails.
The Green Racing Project fits well with this mission, and Craftsbury is excited to provide this programming opportunity. Craftsbury will be providing housing, meals (when dining hall is open - about 10 months of the year), coaching, part-time work, access to health insurance, and race support.
Other sponsors and individuals help to fill out our experience.
What is included in the program?
Everything you need to succeed. GRP athletes are fully supported with housing, food, coaching, rowing equipment, travel (domestic and international), health insurance, and connections to physical therapists, chiropractors, sports psychologists, and doctors. In exchange for the support, GRP rowers are asked to take on projects that contribute to the mission of the Craftsbury Outdoor Center. Athletes are required to work 500hrs/year. Work opportunities vary and are encouraged to incorporate the athletes interests and strengths.
Do I need to bring my own boat?
If you've been training in your own boat, you are encouraged to bring the shell with you to Craftsbury. Don't worry. There's no "rack fees" where you're going. If you don't have your own boat, Craftsbury will provide the necessary equipment.
What does Craftsbury offer in terms of training facilities and opportunities?
The Outdoor Center is at the south end of Big Hosmer Lake. Hosmer is about 3k long, and more often than not, offers beautifully calm water. In fall 2014, the center constructed a new zero-emission gym. Thanks in large part to Rogue and Concept2 the gym is outfitted with weights, BikeErgs, SkiErgs, and of course, various types of C2 rowing machines. Craftsbury also offers an extensive trail network for trail running, mountain biking, and nordic skiing. In the winter, we are one of the premier nordic ski areas of the entire Northeast. Also on campus, we have all the equipment necessary for our own physiological testing through both lactate and VO2 Max equipment. Off campus, we have access to open roads (both dirt and paved), tall mountains, and lots of outdoors.
Who are the Coaches?
Head Coach - Steve Hap Whelpley
Assistant Coach - Krystal Melendez
Additionally, the coaching staff integrates a variety of visiting coaches from throughout the sculling world into the GRP's programming in order to further their understanding of racing, physiology, and small boat use. The GRP's unique location within the Craftsbury Sculling Center exposes athletes to the breadth of the sport through enthusiastic camp patrons of all experience levels and an unrivaled roster of coaches. Combining this geographical serendipity with both the purposeful integration of outside thought and the continuous year round coaching in-house makes for an environment of optimal athletic growth.
Do I need to know how to scull?
No! Both sweep rowers and scullers are welcome to apply. Regardless, you will be introduced to sculling, and you won’t train here without spending time in the single. However, that does not mean sculling must be your end goal.
What happens in the winter?
Yes, the lake does freeze in the winter. If you’re not a fan of winter, then you probably should not look at this program. In a typical year it will be frozen from December until April. Lucky for us, nordic skiing happens to be a great method of cross-training that many other countries around the world utilize. Applicants should be excited about the prospect of learning to nordic ski if they don't already know how, but there will also be southern and/or western training trips likely in both January and March. Rowers will be ready for their spring races, but we also see nordic skiing as one of our best tools towards creating more capable athletes both in terms of physiology and skill.
Is there any social life in Craftsbury?
Ok, this is probably the most important question! There are some excellent restaurants in Hardwick and Stowe, a great coffee house with frequent music in Morrisville, another coffee house in Hardwick, an excellent pizza joint/bar in Glover with weekly trivia and live music, and a brand new pub in Craftsbury. Stowe of course offers all the usual apres-ski kind of entertainment as well. The Outdoor Center itself is far from dead in the summer, with a steady stream of sculling campers and coaches of all ages coming through. There is a very similar program for nordic skiers as well which adds to the number of young people around to hang out with. For days off, there's Burlington or Hanover, both about 90 minutes away. However, you should be aware that you're headed to the country, but you'll find it is one of the most unique, rural communities in the world. You also have the outdoors as your backyard with everything from hiking to backcountry skiing to canoeing to climbing.
What will the work opportunities be?
Certain projects and tasks are ongoing; other new projects may be determined through a joint brainstorming and prioritization process that gives rowers the chance to suggest and design projects that align with the Center's mission. Here are some examples from the past years:
Various projects related to helping Craftsbury become more sustainable. These include analysis of current heating/power systems, improved management of property, production of local food on property
Management of the team itself: uniform design and acquisition, press releases, blogging for interested media, travel planning, work with sponsors
Projects supporting the broader Craftsbury rowing program in general: helping coach sculling camps, helping run the Community Rowing program.
Meeting needs of the Outdoor Center: support for rowing programs as needed, caretaking of facilities, helping with non-skiing programs.
Will rowers be paid for the part-time work, or is it an unpaid expectation of the program?
Program participants will be expected to do a certain amount of work for the Center in exchange for their lodging, meals, equipment, and coaching. The Center will also cover health insurance. There will be the possibility of working additional hours for take-home pay either at the Center, or at area businesses, as time allows. With prior approval, community service may also count toward some of the work requirement, such as offering learn to row clinics for local kids, coaching local sports teams, or volunteering for other non-profits.
What is the expected housing arrangement?
There are two nearby country houses that are dedicated for rowers. Additionally, there is a house for skiers/biathletes. In the summer, we sometimes make additional arrangements for the U23s and other visiting guests.
Application
In exchange for coaching, travel support, equipment, room & board, and more, GRP rowers are asked to take on projects that contribute to work of the Center. If this sounds like work you would enjoy while taking your rowing to the next level, then you may be a good fit for the GRP.
Questions and applications should be directed towards Steve Hap Whelpley at steve.whelpley@craftsbury.com.
Our Sponsors
You may have heard of them as the first rowing camp in North America, or perhaps as the most consistent snow in the east, but even without participating in one of the COC's programs, you can share the same great Craftsbury setting, excellent food, and facilities as group or individual guests. Craftsbury has the pleasure of hosting the Green Racing Project Rowing, Skiing, and Biathlon Teams at the Center.
Since 1976, Concept2 has been making innovative rowing products, from their Indoor Rowers to the Dreissigacker Racing Oars. In 2009, Concept2 introduced the SkiErg. Whether you're a rower, a skier, or neither one, Concept2's products will help you get fit, stay fit, win your race, or train for your primary sport.
Our Partners
“Made in North America for over 30 years, RegattaSport is the trusted source for custom-made training and racing gear. RS is proud to be the official apparel partner of the Green Racing Project.
Their dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure that you are completely satisfied, from the initial designing of products through production and delivery of the finished garment.
No matter the sport, RS gear is built to last. They use high-performance fabrics with features that help you focus on what’s most important – racing your hardest!”
Juice Performer has four all-natural, 100% juices focused on enhancing athletic performance: Beet Juice with B12; Beet with Passion Fruit Juice; Beet with Pineapple Juice; and Tart Cherry Juice.
Juice Performer is a staple on the training tables of many NFL, MLB, NBA, and MLS teams, as well as many top college athletic programs.
Juice Performer is currently available on Amazon.com, as well as leading supermarkets and natural food grocery chains across the U.S.
Our Supporters
Hudson Boat Works is a leading racing shell manufacturer used by many national teams worldwide. Setting industry standards, the SHARK hulls are designed to increase stability while maintaining outstanding performance characteristics.