Head Coach

Manny Valentin

Manny Valentin was named Skidmore College head men's and women's crew coach in May, 2021. Valentin was previously the Saratoga Rowing Association (SRA) head varsity boys coach and the Advanced Rowing Initiative of the Northeast (ARION) men's coach.

"We are so excited to announce that Emanuel 'Manny' Valentin will be joining the Skidmore College Athletic family," said Gail Cummings-Danson, athletics director and assistant vice president for student affairs. "Having coached at all different levels, Manny has had proven success at each stage of his career.

"Manny is a tremendous communicator, tireless worker and natural leader.  Our student-athletes will benefit greatly from the many skills that he will share with the men's and women's teams.  His mentorship will be a valuable asset to each student in the program."

Valentin has been with the SRA at various levels since 2017. Prior to that, he was a head coach and program director for the Sagamore Rowing Association in Oyster Bay, N.Y.

"I would like to thank Gail Cummings-Danson and the search committee for trusting me to lead the Skidmore rowing team into the next era, as well as Coach Tucci for laying an incredible foundation I am fortunate enough to build upon, Valentin said.  "Throughout the entire interview process, it was apparent that the Skidmore Athletic department and I share the same core values: trust, teamwork, commitment, work ethic, and a growth mindset.

"In my chance to meet the current student athletes, their energy and enthusiasm stood out and I am excited to get to work."

A standout collegiate rower at Ithaca College, Valentin was co-valuable oarsmen for the 2006-2007. He stayed at Ithaca as a graduate assistant and then assistant coach, while pursuing an advanced degree in sports psychology.

Valentin's athletes have had success on the national and international levels, with a men's lightweight quad winning the 2018 USRowing trials and then competing in the 2018 World Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.