Iona University Athletics

Ben MacDougald enters his fourth season as Director of Men's and Women's Rowing at Iona University in 2026-27.
 
Since arriving in New Rochelle, MacDougald has led the continued growth and development of the Gaels' men's and women's rowing programs, emphasizing student-athlete development, competitive success, and recruiting. Under his leadership, Iona has continued to build depth across both programs while attracting talented recruiting classes that have strengthened the future of Gael rowing.
 
Prior to joining Iona, MacDougald spent six seasons on the coaching staff at Holy Cross, serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the men's rowing program.
 
During his tenure with the Crusaders, MacDougald played an integral role in the program's success both on the water and on the recruiting trail. His recruiting efforts produced some of the largest and most talented classes in program history. In 2022 and 2023, he coached Holy Cross' third varsity eight to national rankings as high as No. 17 and No. 14, respectively. The Crusaders also captured gold medals in the third varsity and fourth varsity eight events at the 2022 New England Rowing Championships. In 2021, Holy Cross recorded a 15th-place finish at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) National Championship, the highest finish in program history.
 
MacDougald joined the Holy Cross coaching staff after serving as a volunteer assistant with the program. He also coached with the Old Lyme Rowing Association and worked at Community Rowing Inc. in Boston, where he served as head coach of the Under-23 women's summer program and instructed middle school, high school, and adult rowers.
 
A four-year coxswain at Holy Cross, MacDougald graduated in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in history. He also completed the Institute for Rowing Leadership's Advanced Certificate Program in Boston following graduation.