Melissa and John Boyd Appointed Head Rowing Coaches

Iona College Director of Athletics Matthew Glovaski announced the appointment of Melissa and John Boyd as head coaches for the Maroon & Gold men’s and women’s rowing programs, respectively.

“The Iona community is grateful for the dedication of John and Melissa. Their love for the program and student-athletes embodies the ‘Fight the Good Fight’ mantra of Gael Nation,” said Glovaski. “The Maroon
& Gold rowing programs are in good hands with the Boyds at its helm.”

Melissa Boyd will be the head coach for Iona’s men’s rowing program. Last year, she served as an interim head coach for the men. Boyd has been a strong presence in the rowing community throughout New York. She has extensive experience with Rockland Rowing Association and Pelham Community Rowing Association. Boyd has been connected to the Gaels since 2014 when she began as a coach of the novice men.

“I am grateful and incredibly honored to follow somebody as passionate and motivated as former men’s coach John Boyd and take the reins of the men’s program, which has an established team culture and work ethic. This program is a source of great pride to many people,” said Melissa Boyd. “I want to continue the legacy of providing Iona rowers a first-rate academic and athletic experience in order to create a lifetime of valuable lessons that will inspire them to live lives of integrity, purpose and enthusiasm. Many thanks to Matthew Glovaski for this opportunity.”

John Boyd has been an integral part of the Iona rowing program since 2009. He has served as an assistant coach for both programs on the varsity and novice level. Last year Boyd served as interim head coach for the women’s team.

He was a four-year rower for the Gaels from 2000-04, serving as team captain for two years. Boyd is the school record holder in the 6k and ranks second all-time in the 2k. He is a three-time national champion with New York Athletic Club and has taken part in the Pan American Games trials.

“I am privileged to be named the full-time women’s rowing head coach at Iona. It is a special time in collegiate women’s rowing and I am excited to inspire our athletes to reach limits they never thought possible,” said John Boyd. “I stand on the shoulders of the alumni and team moderator Br. Robert Novak, who have been role models and mentors to me since my formative years as an oarsman at Iona.” 

“All of this would not be possible without the support of my wife, Melissa, whom I know will lead our men’s program with professionalism and excellence,” Boyd added.

Together, John and Melissa have coached the Gaels to 24 medals, including 13 golds, at the Metropolitan Championships. Three Iona crews have reached the Dad Vail grand final and the highest finish was a silver medal in 2014. John has mentored six Iona rowers who have gone on to win over a dozen medals at the national levels, including national championships.