TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University women's rowing program brings back a familiar face with Sienna Mathes named interim head coach for the Lutes' 2023-2024 season.
 
"I'm thrilled to welcome Sienna back to Luteville. She has a deep understanding of the tradition of excellence within our program and the technical skills to have this team competing for another Northwest Conference championship," said Athletic Director Mike Snyder.  
 
Mathes returns to Luteville with coaching experience at the club level, serving as Head Coach with Martha's Moms Rowing Team— a competitive master's rowing program— while also coaching with Lake Washington Rowing Club and the Renton Rowing Center.  
 
"I'm super excited to be back at PLU and working with a team that meant so much to me as a student!" said Mathes.
 
"Since graduating from PLU I've been fortunate for the opportunity to work with a wide range of rowers from ages 11 to 89. I'm excited to combine my knowledge and experience of collegiate rowing with what I've learned from my involvement in juniors and masters rowing since college. The PLU team has done an amazing job getting themselves started this fall and I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together this year!"
 
Mathes '19 was a four-year letterwinner for the PLU women's rowing team, helping the Lutes win four consecutive Northwest Conference titles and three Lamberth Cup crowns. Mathes was a three-time CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award winner and was an All-Northwest Conference selection in 2019. Mathes was part of the second varsity eight boat that was runner-up at the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships in 2017 and was in the varsity eight boat that placed eighth at the NCAA Division III Championships in 2019. 
 
Mathes earned a degree in psychology with minors in Hispanic studies and sociology from PLU before earning a Master's degree in forensic and legal psychology from Marymount University (Va.). While at Marymount, Mathes served as a graduate assist for the athletics communication office.
 
Mathes replaces Lizzie Mitchell who stepped down in August after accepting the associate head coach position at Division I Boston University.
 
The Lutes compete on Saturday in Portland at the Charlie Brown Regatta.