FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern head rowing coach Mary Lenington has brought in her new assistant coach as she has announced the hiring of Rachel Sander. Sander will assist the rowing team as they make their first head coaching change in program history.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the Nova family and join a program that has such an established tradition of success,” said Sander. “I would like to thank Mary Lenington and the administration for providing me the opportunity to be a part of this team and department. Everything is in place for this program to be great and I am excited about the challenges and new roles I will be taking on with the Sharks.”

Sander spent five seasons as the director of women's basketball operations for the University of Miami. Sander's varied responsibilities included managing the day-to-day operations of the women's basketball program, scheduling practices, coordinating team travel and managing community and donor relations. Prior to this position, Sander served a two-year stint as the rowing coordinator with Miami's women's rowing program.

Sander was a four-time letterwinner with the Miami rowing team from 2000-2004 and served as a co-captain during her senior year. She helped the team to program-best runner-up finish at the 2004 BIG EAST Championships. Sander was a member of the first place Women’s Club 8+ at the Head of the Chattahoochee in 2003, at which Miami also took home the total points trophy. She also participated with the V8 in the Cal Cup at the San Diego Crew Classic in 2003.

Sander is a 2004 graduate of Miami with a bachelor's degree in both history and marine affairs. Sander also received her master’s of science in education from Miami in sport administration in 2008.

A native of Syracuse, N.Y., Sander enjoys participating in triathlons and half marathons and traveling in her spare time. She currently resides in Deerfield Beach.

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