Galina's journey into rowing began later in life. In her 30s and 40s she was an avid runner. Galina's interest in rowing was sparked as she observed the practices of Princeton University crews on Carnegie Lake while jogging along the tow path. 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. During winter months, she engaged in numerous erg races and achieved her highest accomplishment by winning the World Championship title at the 2017 C.R.A.S.H.-B. in the lightweight category.
In pursuit of their lifelong dream, Galina and her husband Leo relocated to mid-Vermont in 2020, where they now live surrounded by the beauty of nature. Seeking a local rowing community, Galina connected with Middlebury College in 2021. Initially volunteering as assistant crew coaches, she and Leo became deeply involved in the program. By 2022, Galina took on a more formal role as a novice coach. Her and Leo’s women’s novice crew medaled at the 2023 ACRA, and the men’s novice crews won silver and gold at the 2023 Head of the Fish.
Galina now serves as the interim Head 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
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.
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.
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