Photo by: SMC Athletics / Brian Brownfield
Pytlak to Step Down as Head Coach, Assume Compliance Role
5/20/2022 4:00:00 PM | Women's Rowing
MORAGA, Calif. — Anna Pytlak, head coach of Saint Mary's Rowing, is stepping down from her position as head coach and will assume a role within the compliance office at Saint Mary's as the Compliance Coordinator.
"It has been an honor to be a part of the growth of rowing program here at Saint Mary's," Pytlak mentioned. "In my time here, we have been able to make significant improvements thanks to the hard work of our student-athletes, assistant coaches, support staff and amazing alumni. The program is in a great place and ready for the next phase of leadership. Thank you to Mike Matoso and Kami Gray for supporting this move. I'm honored I will continue be able to be a part of this great community and serve the Gaels in a different capacity."
Pytlak spent 14 seasons on the Gaels coaching staff, including the past nine seasons as the head coach. During her tenure on the coaching staff, the Gaels finished fourth place or better in the West Coast Conference in 11 of 14 seasons, including third-place finishes from 2011-2013. She also oversaw the expansion of the rowing program to include a novice team.
"We are grateful for the years of service that Anna put into the rowing program here at Saint Mary's," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Mike Matoso. "She has continued to build the program and taken it to new heights, leaving it in a better place than when she started. At the same time, we are happy she is staying in the department and we look forward to seeing her grow in her new role."
One of the major upgrades that Pytlak helped spur for the program was the Ed Lickiss Memorial Boathouse, named in honor of the first SMC rowing coach, Ed Lickiss, who coached the program from 1965-75. The boathouse allowed the Gaels to have more room for their boats, while allowing for the expansion of equipment to meet the demands of the growing roster size.
Remaining in the Saint Mary's athletic department, Pytlak will take over as the Compliance Coordinator, where she will work closely with the new Associate Athletics Director for Compliance.
A search for the next head rowing coach at Saint Mary's will begin immediately.
"It has been an honor to be a part of the growth of rowing program here at Saint Mary's," Pytlak mentioned. "In my time here, we have been able to make significant improvements thanks to the hard work of our student-athletes, assistant coaches, support staff and amazing alumni. The program is in a great place and ready for the next phase of leadership. Thank you to Mike Matoso and Kami Gray for supporting this move. I'm honored I will continue be able to be a part of this great community and serve the Gaels in a different capacity."
Pytlak spent 14 seasons on the Gaels coaching staff, including the past nine seasons as the head coach. During her tenure on the coaching staff, the Gaels finished fourth place or better in the West Coast Conference in 11 of 14 seasons, including third-place finishes from 2011-2013. She also oversaw the expansion of the rowing program to include a novice team.
"We are grateful for the years of service that Anna put into the rowing program here at Saint Mary's," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Mike Matoso. "She has continued to build the program and taken it to new heights, leaving it in a better place than when she started. At the same time, we are happy she is staying in the department and we look forward to seeing her grow in her new role."
One of the major upgrades that Pytlak helped spur for the program was the Ed Lickiss Memorial Boathouse, named in honor of the first SMC rowing coach, Ed Lickiss, who coached the program from 1965-75. The boathouse allowed the Gaels to have more room for their boats, while allowing for the expansion of equipment to meet the demands of the growing roster size.
Remaining in the Saint Mary's athletic department, Pytlak will take over as the Compliance Coordinator, where she will work closely with the new Associate Athletics Director for Compliance.
A search for the next head rowing coach at Saint Mary's will begin immediately.
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