Iona University Athletics

Since being hired as the Iona rowing coach prior to the 2019-2020 season, John Boyd is actively leading the Gaels through its most transformational period in program history. In each of their last two trips to the Dad Vail regatta the women’s program placed two crews in the grand final including a spot on the podium in 2022. It had been 28 years in between grand final appearances.
 
Boyd was named Iona University’s third full time head coach of women’s rowing on August 9, 2019, by Director of Athletics Matthew Glovaski after spending the 2018-2019 season in an interim capacity. Prior to this role he served as, and still is, an assistant coach to the men’s rowing program at Iona since 2009. Since that time his crews have amassed 31 medals at the metropolitan championships (17 gold) along with three men’s points titles, one women’s points title, as well as two team points championships.
 
In 2021 Boyd helped establish the Iona University Rowing Association which has grown to serve as an important support system for the student athletes. In 2022 the program saw record fundraising totals directly impacting the student-athlete experience which includes the acquisition of a brand new eight for each team. The association has formed a partnership with university administration to elevate the status of the women’s rowing program.
 
In 2022 the men’s team committed itself to lightweight rowing by joining the IRA and finished 13th overall in the lightweight four. Along the way the crew picked up victories over crews from Harvard, Cal, and Mercyhurst in its debut season.
 
Several athletes have gone on to have individual success winning national championships domestically and abroad including Evan Johnson ’14, Ryan Harding ’15, Ryan Dronzek ’16, Alessandra Danyo ’20, Jasmin Schons ’21, Francis Acolitse ’22, Sergey Karpov ’23, and Cara Donnelly ’25.
 
Boyd was a standout at Iona, rowing for 1985 alum Kevin Murphy.  In his four seasons in the varsity 8 his crews produced back-to-back Knecht Cup and M.I.R.A. championships in 2002 and 2003 along with a 16th place finish at the Head of the Charles. Those same years the men’s team finished runner up in the MAAC. Prior to his junior year he began rowing for Iona Hall of Fame Coach Vincent Ventura ’69 on the New York Athletic Club summer pre-elite team. He also was invited to the 2002 national team talent and identification camp.
 
After his Iona career he continued rowing for Murphy and Ventura at the NYAC for several years winning national championships in sculling and sweep events.  He also had a stint at Boathouse Row’s Vesper Boat Club in Philadelphia.