In a heartfelt announcement on Friday afternoon, Duke rowing head coach Megan Cooke Carcagno revealed her decision to step down from her role at the conclusion of this season. Citing a desire to prioritize family time, Carcagno expressed gratitude to the Duke community for their unwavering support throughout her tenure.
"I would like to thank all of the amazing students, parents, and coaching staff who have been so instrumental to the program's success and have made my time at Duke so special," Cooke Carcagno shared. "We have a great group of students this year who have really worked hard to get to where they are now, and I'm excited to see how they finish out the season."
Having joined the program in the 2015-16 season, Carcagno leaves behind an impressive legacy. Under her leadership, the Duke rowing team has flourished, reaching five national championship races and earning her the title of ACC Coach of the Year twice. Her commitment to excellence has been evident throughout, with this season witnessing a surge in success.
At the recent Lake Wheeler Invitational, the Blue Devils showcased their prowess by clinching second place overall in the regatta, alongside numerous first-place victories in individual races. Carcagno's influence as both a coach and mentor has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the team's culture and performance.
A former Division I rower at the University of California Berkeley and a member of the U.S. Rowing national team from 2004 to 2007, Carcagno brought a wealth of experience and expertise to Duke. As only the second head coach in the program's history, she leaves behind a legacy of dedication and achievement.
"We thank Coach Cooke Carcagno for her commitment to Duke over the past nine years, as she has lifted our rowing program to unprecedented success on the water," expressed Athletic Director Nina King. "We wish her all the best in her future endeavors."
As the Duke rowing community bids farewell to Coach Cooke Carcagno, they do so with gratitude for her transformative leadership and a shared commitment to continuing the program's legacy of excellence in the years to come.
