University of Victoria Athletics

Samantha Heron is in her second year as the regional NextGen coach for the University of Victoria Vikes and Rowing Canada. In her NextGen role, she supports aspirational athletes along steps of the development pathway with the ultimate aim of representing Canada, while also supporting the UVic men’s rowing team as an assistant coach. Prior to her NextGen position, Samantha was an assistant coach for the newly revived Gorge Narrows Rowing Club. She also served as a volunteer coach for the University of Victoria Women’s Rowing team and undertook novice and existing talent recruitment. 
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Heron has been involved with the Island rowing community for over a decade, and she has strong ties with the Victoria City Rowing Club, where her rowing career began. From her success in VCRC, she represented Canada at the Junior National team level before competing on the NCAA circuit for the University of Michigan as a student-athlete recruit.

On top of being an RCA certified coach and Rowing Canada performance trained coach, Samantha earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Victoria. She is passionate about further education and certification and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University.

Heron is proud to be recognized as a developing female coach within the community. She created a women in coaching initiative to connect local female sports leaders. As a 2019 Jack Nicholson Coaching Bursary recipient and participant of the Coaching Enhancement Program, Samantha has been engaged with exciting coach development initiatives that she eagerly shares with her community.