2024-2025 Coaching Staff

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Connell graduated from Franklin Pierce College in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and computer science, and was a member and captain of the men’s varsity rowing team from 2004-2007. Upon graduation, he became the assistant rowing coach at Pierce from 2007-2009, earning his Master’s degree in Sports Management. Rich then went on to become the head coach of rowing at the Dublin School in southern New Hampshire from 2010-2015, leading the team to several state and national championships in that time. After a year coaching rowing at Vermont Academy (2016-2017), and prior to his current position at Middlebury College, he coached the Anchorage Rowing Association in Alaska (2017 and 2018).

Aside from coaching, Connell also rowed for the Merrimack River Rowing Association in Lowell from 2009-2015. During this time he competed at numerous national and international regattas such as the Head of the Charles, Elite National Championships, Canadian Henley, Club National Championships, and the Royal Henley Regatta. Personal accomplishments include taking 2nd at the Head of the Charles in the Club 4+ (2014 and 2015), 1st in the 4+ at 2014 Club Nationals, 1st in the 4- and 2- at 2012 Club Nationals, and 2nd in the 2- at 2011 Elite Nationals. Rich has taken up interest in extreme/Ironman distance triathlons as of late, but continues to remain active and compete in the rowing world in addition to being a full-time coach."

Leo developed a keen interest in rowing during his time at Princeton, sparked by his wife and later his son embarking on their rowing careers at Carnegie Lake Rowing and the Princeton National Rowing Association. Eager to support his family on regatta days, Leo decided to become an US Rowing referee, ensuring prime viewing from the water. Over a span of 7 years, he officiated at prestigious events such as the US Nationals and IRAs regattas.

Leo actively participated in Masters Summer programs at PNRA (Mercer), where he honed his sculling skills in small boats. His rowing adventures continued alongside his wife, Galina, at Lake Dunmore.

During his high school and Moscow University years, Leo was a member of a speed skating team, competing in both Nationals and regional championships. Transitioning to long-distance running, he completed numerous 5 and 10-mile races, including the Princeton half marathon three times and the Philadelphia marathon in 2019.

Upon relocating to Middlebury in 2021, Leo embraced a new role as an assistant coach for Middlebury's men's and women's crew teams. In the winter, he finds joy in teaching Nordic skiing at the Rikert Outdoor Center and downhill skiing at Middlebury Snow Bowl. Leo's diverse athletic journey reflects his passion for various sports and commitment to fostering a love for physical activity in others.

Galina's journey into rowing began later in life. In her 30s and 40s, she was an avid runner. Her interest in rowing was sparked while jogging along the tow path by Carnegie Lake, where she frequently observed the Princeton University crews practicing. Embracing a new challenge, she completed a Masters Learn to Row program with the Carnegie Lake Rowing Association in 2010 at the age of 50.

From that point, Galina passionately pursued competitive rowing, both on and off the water, until 2020, when she and her husband Leo relocated to mid-Vermont. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, they sought out a local rowing community, leading Galina to connect with Middlebury College in 2021. Initially volunteering as assistant crew coaches, she and Leo quickly became integral to the program. By 2022, Galina assumed a more formal role as a novice coach. Her and Leo’s men’s novice crews went on to win silver and gold at the 2023 Head of the Fish Regatta, while the women's and men’s 4+ novice crews medaled at the 

2023 and 2024 ACRA Regattas, respectively.

Galina continues to serve as an Assistant Coach, leveraging her passion for the sport to inspire and guide the next generation of rowers at Middlebury College.

Galina can be contacted at gchernaya@middlebury.edu

Elliott joined the team as an assistant coach in Spring 2021. Before ever laying hands on a racing oar, he fell in love with rowing as a high school senior after reading Stephen Kiesling's The Shell Game. Attracted to the sport by its beauty, camaraderie, and fierce competition, he joined the rowing team at Bowdoin College a few months later. He rowed for four years as a student, and he got his first taste of coaching as an intern at St. Paul's School Advanced Studies Program.

Elliott is also an avid skier and an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. He lives near the college in Middlebury with his spouse Elizabeth and two daughters.