In this video, titled “Stacey Rippetoe Giving MSU Rowing Renewed Energy | Spartans All-Access,” Stacey Rippetoe, a rowing coach, shares her passion for the sport and the impact it has on both physical and personal growth. Rippetoe emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and teamwork in rowing, highlighting the need for consistent effort and continuous improvement. She reflects on her own journey as a coach and the transformative influence of her mentors. With Rippetoe’s leadership, the Michigan State rowing team is experiencing a renewed sense of energy and motivation, with the goal of achieving excellence in the Big Ten conference and beyond.
Stacey Rippetoe’s Coaching Philosophy

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Overview of rowing as an endurance sport
Rowing is an endurance sport that requires individuals to be highly skilled and dedicated. Stacey Rippetoe recognizes the importance of consistency and making small improvements over time to perfect technique. In rowing, hard work is valued over natural skill, as it is the determination and effort put into training that leads to success.
Emphasizing hard work over skill
Rippetoe believes that success in rowing comes from the willingness to embrace the grind and push oneself beyond their comfort zone. By fostering a culture of hard work and discipline, Rippetoe encourages her athletes to constantly strive for improvement. In her coaching philosophy, she places a greater emphasis on effort and work ethic rather than raw talent.
Shaping and changing athletes
Rippetoe takes a unique approach to coaching by aiming to shape and change athletes into better versions of themselves. While she has certain expectations and techniques she prefers, she also appreciates the individuality of her athletes. As long as the team is making progress and getting faster, she is open to different approaches and deviations from her original expectations.
Influences from Bebe Bryans
Rippetoe attributes much of her growth as a coach to her time working with Bebe Bryans. After being inspired by Bryans’ speech at the U.S. Rowing Convention in 1999, Rippetoe knew she wanted to work for her. Through Bryans’ mentorship, Rippetoe was able to develop both as a human being and as a coach. The lessons learned from Bryans have shaped Rippetoe’s coaching philosophy and approach to leadership.
Development as a human being and coach
Rippetoe’s time at Michigan State allowed her to not only contribute to the team’s success but also continue her own personal development. She credits this period as transformative, as she was able to help elevate the program from good to great. Rippetoe’s ability to work alongside other talented coaches and her dedication to each athlete’s personal growth have made her an exceptional coach.
Stacey Rippetoe at Michigan State
Joining the coaching staff at Michigan State
Rippetoe’s journey at Michigan State began when she had the opportunity to talk with Bebe Bryans, which led to her being hired as an assistant coach. She went on to work under Matt Weise and had a positive impact on the team during her tenure. Rippetoe’s passion for the sport and dedication to her role as a coach made her a valuable asset to the program.
Contributing to the team’s success
When Rippetoe joined the coaching staff at Michigan State, the team was already fast. However, she was able to bring her expertise and contribute to the team’s continued success. Through her coaching and guidance, the program achieved great things during her time there.
Helping the team achieve greatness
Rippetoe’s coaching style and approach helped the team achieve greatness. By instilling a sense of confidence, motivation, and a strong work ethic, she pushed the athletes to perform at their best. Rippetoe’s positive attitude and refreshing approach created a conducive environment for growth and success.
Creating a culture of confidence and motivation
One of Rippetoe’s strengths as a coach is her ability to inspire confidence in her athletes. By sharing her knowledge and emphasizing the importance of hard work, she motivates her team to strive for their goals. Rippetoe focuses not only on individual improvement but also on building camaraderie and teamwork within the team.
Impact on the Team
Beneficial knowledge and motivation
Rippetoe’s extensive knowledge of the sport and her ability to effectively communicate it to her athletes have greatly benefited the team. Her understanding of what it takes to excel in rowing and her dedication to teaching and motivating her athletes have had a positive impact on their performance.
Building camaraderie and teamwork
Rippetoe places a strong emphasis on building camaraderie and fostering a sense of teamwork within the team. By encouraging her athletes to support and push each other to improve, she creates a collaborative and supportive environment. This sense of unity contributes to the team’s success and overall satisfaction.
Pushing each other to improve
Rippetoe’s coaching philosophy encourages athletes to push each other to new heights. Whether it’s in individual or team scenarios, she emphasizes the importance of driving each other to be better. This collective effort, combined with Rippetoe’s coaching style and expectations, creates a competitive yet supportive atmosphere.

Coaching style and expectations
Rippetoe’s coaching style is characterized by high expectations and a focus on hard work. She believes in pushing her athletes to their limits and expects them to give their best efforts. Rippetoe’s standards serve as a guiding force for the team, motivating them to excel both individually and as a collective.
Positive atmosphere and refreshing approach
Rippetoe has been instrumental in creating a positive and refreshing atmosphere within the team. Her friendly and supportive tone of voice, coupled with her ability to motivate, has fostered an environment of growth and achievement. Athletes feel empowered and supported in their journey, which contributes to their overall success.
Process and Hard Work
Earning speed through hard work
According to Rippetoe, speed in rowing is not achieved through luck or natural talent but through consistent hard work. She emphasizes the importance of the daily process and the dedication required to improve. By instilling a strong work ethic in her athletes, Rippetoe helps them understand that success is earned through consistent effort.
Focusing on the daily process
Rippetoe prioritizes the daily process of training and improvement. Instead of fixating on the end result, she encourages her athletes to focus on the small steps they can take each day to become more efficient and skilled. By breaking down the sport into manageable tasks, Rippetoe helps her athletes stay focused and motivated.
Becoming more efficient
Efficiency is a key aspect of rowing, and Rippetoe emphasizes its importance to her athletes. By focusing on technique and making incremental improvements, she helps her team become more efficient in their movements. This attention to detail allows them to maximize their power and speed in the water.
Motivating the team to work hard
Rippetoe’s coaching style and approach ignite motivation within her team. By recognizing and acknowledging the effort and progress of each individual, she fosters a sense of determination and passion. Rippetoe’s motivational strategies, coupled with her belief in the power of hard work, push the team to consistently give their best effort.

Emphasizing contact with the water and driving
Rippetoe places particular emphasis on the importance of contact with the water and the driving motion in rowing. By focusing on these key elements of technique, she helps her athletes develop a strong connection to the water and maximize their power through efficient movements. This technical emphasis contributes to the team’s overall success.
Balancing Structure and Autonomy
Rippetoe’s preference for certain techniques
While Rippetoe has her own preferences when it comes to technique, she also recognizes the importance of allowing athletes to have a certain level of autonomy and comfort. She understands that different individuals may have slightly different approaches that work best for them and is open to adapting her coaching style accordingly.
Allowing athletes to have autonomy and comfort level
Rippetoe believes in giving her athletes the freedom to operate within their own comfort levels. She understands that each athlete may have their own unique way of approaching the sport and respects their individuality. By allowing athletes to have some autonomy, she creates an environment where they can thrive and perform at their best.
Learning from the athletes
Rippetoe acknowledges that learning is a two-way street. While she has a wealth of knowledge and experience to impart, she also values the insights and perspectives of her athletes. By remaining open to their feedback and ideas, she continues to grow and evolve as a coach. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of mutual respect and trust between coach and athletes.
Long-term behaviors leading to success
Rippetoe understands the importance of cultivating behaviors and habits that lead to long-term success. She aims to guide her athletes towards making choices and adopting a mindset that will benefit them not just in rowing but in life as well. By instilling these behaviors, she sets her athletes up for success even beyond their rowing careers.
Goals for the Program
Success in the Big Ten conference
One of Rippetoe’s goals for the program is to excel in the Big Ten conference. She wants to see her team perform at a high level and be competitive against other strong programs in the conference. By consistently striving for excellence, Rippetoe aims to establish Michigan State as a force to be reckoned with in the rowing community.
Qualifying for NCAAs
Another goal for Rippetoe and her team is to qualify for the NCAA Championships. This prestigious event showcases the best of collegiate rowing and represents the pinnacle of achievement. By working towards this goal, Rippetoe motivates her team to constantly improve and reach new heights in their athletic endeavors.
Climbing the ladder of achievement
Rippetoe’s ultimate aim is for the program to continue climbing the ladder of achievement in rowing. She wants Michigan State to be recognized as a program that consistently produces strong and successful athletes. By building on the program’s previous accomplishments and striving for continuous improvement, Rippetoe hopes to bring the team to new levels of greatness.
Program-changing moment for Michigan State rowing
According to Rippetoe, Michigan State rowing is experiencing a program-changing moment. With a strong foundation and the potential for growth, Rippetoe believes that the team has the opportunity to make a significant mark in the rowing world. By harnessing the team’s potential and her coaching expertise, she hopes to lead Michigan State rowing to new heights of success.
Conclusion
Passion for the sport and gratitude for coaching
Stacey Rippetoe’s passion for rowing is evident in her coaching philosophy and approach. Her enthusiasm for the sport, coupled with her gratitude for the opportunity to coach, makes her an exceptional mentor to her athletes. Rippetoe’s genuine love for rowing shines through in her dedication and commitment to helping her team succeed.
Excitement for the future of Michigan State rowing
Rippetoe’s time at Michigan State has been marked by success and growth. With the team’s potential and her coaching expertise, she is excited about what the future holds for Michigan State rowing. Rippetoe believes that the program has the opportunity to continue making strides and establish itself as one of the top rowing programs in the nation.
Closing words of encouragement and support
In closing, Rippetoe leaves her athletes with words of encouragement and support. She acknowledges their hard work and motivates them to continue pushing their limits. Rippetoe’s faith in her team’s ability to achieve greatness is evident, and she imparts a sense of belief and determination to her athletes. With Rippetoe’s guidance, Michigan State rowing is poised for a bright and successful future.