Our cOACHES

Cory Sanderson

What is your rowing background?

I started rowing in high school, and my time as a three sport varsity athlete ended when I went to Bates College and pursued rowing exclusively. I was a four year varsity oarsman, and captain of the men’s team my junior and senior years. Following college I was a high school teacher and coach in New England before moving to Nashville to coach full time with NRC.

I have worked with the US Men’s Junior National Team system since 2012 at the Development, High Performance, Youth Regional Challenge, Selection and ODP levels in Pennsylvania, Maine, Oregon, California, AND fLORIDA. In that time I have coached crews that have consistently found themselves on the podium at USRowing Nationals at the U17, U19, Intermediate, and Senior levels, and ATHLETES THAT HAVE continued on to medal at Junior World Championships, Collegiate National Championships, U23 World Championships, and many other regattas.

I have worn many hats at Nashville Rowing since 2014, and have served as the Executive Director since 2017. Since 2014, Nashville Rowing has had 38 athletes earn invites to US Junior National Team camps, with several earning medals on the international stage at the CanAmMex regatta, Junior World Championships, World Indoor Rowing Championships, and the Head of the Charles Regatta. Since 2013, Nashville Rowing has QUALIFIED AT LEAST ONE BOAT FOR EVERY YOUTH nATIONAL CHampionship, with athletes competing in the 2X, 2-, 4+, Ltwt 4+, and 8+.

Why do you choose to coach?

For as long as I can remember, athletics have been a huge part of my life, and even more importantly I have been surrounded my strong educators and mentors both on and off the water. The decision to start rowing in high school, and the coaches that pushed me to excel on the water and in the classroom ultimately led me to rowing in college and started the ball rolling to where I am now. I’ve been a 3rd Grade teacher, a High School Art Teacher, a Dorm Parent, and coached football, wrestling, baseball, strength and conditioning, and swimming in additon to rowing. Now my classroom is on the water, and every day is an opportunity to bring out the best in those around me, like so many did for me before.

What are three fast facts about you?

I lived in dorms for the first 27 years of my life.

The first time I went surfing it was snowing

I was in a hip-hop dance group in high school

Gianna D’Aloai

What is your rowing background?

I began rowing in high school, after being cut from the freshman volleyball team. My novice rowing coach convinced me to consider rowing in college, and I became determined to pursue a D1 athletics path throughout high school. Ultimately, I enrolled at Gonzaga University and graduated in 2021. During my time there at the Division 1 level, I secured three conference championships and participated at NCAA twice.

Why do you choose to coach?

Following graduation, I relocated to Nashville and took a year-long break from the sport. During this time, I reflected on ways to reengage with rowing and decided that coaching would be a meaningful way to give back to the sport that played such a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today. I have been fortunate to have incredibly supportive coaches who pushed me to excel both athletically and academically, and I want to pay it forward by providing that same guidance and support to aspiring rowers.

What are three fast facts about you?

I lived in Phoenix, AZ for 6 year in grade school

I like to travel

I have a younger brother

Victoria Tkacz

What is your rowing background?

I started rowing in high school, and moved on to be recruited for Jacksonville University where I competed at the Division 1 level which included competing in four Division 1 national championships. I spent my junior and senior year in leadership positions on the team.

In 2017, I graduated from Jacksonville University with my degree in Exercise Science and the only thing I wanted to do was stay involved with rowing. I quickly committed my full summer post graduation to coaching summer camps. Months after graduation I started coaching for First Coast Rowing Club and stayed with them for two years, where I also helped to run adult learn to row programs as well as summer camps through the FCRC. I moved on from FCRC to coach at Nova Southeastern University. Due to COVID-19, NSU was forced to shut the program down. I have spent the last year coaching at Pine Crest High school, mostly with the freshman women as well as 2nd varsity men.

Why do you choose to coach?

Athletics have always been part of my life. Much before rowing, I started swimming when I was 8 years old, and competed all the way through high school. The coaches I have gotten the chance to work with as an athlete have made a huge mark on my life. I will remember some of the coaches I’ve had forever, and I love that I have the chance to make the same kind of mark on the lives of the athletes I work with now. I get the opportunity to watch these athletes grow in all aspects of life, and I get to have a part in that growth. I love sharing my passion, and making connections with the athletes. Nothing beats watching the hard work on the water pay off on race day!.

What are three fast facts about you?

My go-to binge worthy TV show is New Girl! Hands down.

I was voted “Most School Spirit” in my senior superlatives in high school!

My last meal on earth would be an avocado, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel. Complete with a large iced coffee and home fries on the side.

Max Greer

What is your rowing background?

I started rowing for Nashville Juniors when a friend brought me to practice in December 2015. After that first practice on the ergs I was hooked. I graduated from Nashville Juniors in 2018 and continued my rowing journey at Loyola University Maryland where I rowed for 5 years, graduating in 2023. During my college career I was named Most Dedicated twice, MVP once, and had the honor of being named Captain for my final year. During my 5 years in college I took a gap year, during which I started coaching for Nashville Juniors. I have come back to coach every summer since then and parlayed summer 2023 into roles as assistant juniors coach and interim head masters coach, which I am in currently. I also work as a womens assistant coach for Vanderbilt University. 

Why do you choose to coach?

I believe in Nashville Rowing's #Process -oriented mission! The discipline and commitment rowing demands during formative years of athletes' lives dictates the kind of people they will become. Being able to facilitate an environment for personal and athletic growth is a tremendous privilege. 

What are three fast facts about you?

I was born on February 29, 2000; my 6th birthday is coming up in February of 2024.

I am a former 3-time world record holder on the Concept 2 ergometer. 

I was homeschooled for high school.