Jan Pepe – Assistant Coach

Janifer Pepe, known as “Coach Jan,” has been involved in rowing at multiple levels for more than 35 years. She was a Division I rower and coxswain at West Virginia University before transferring to Simmons College in Boston, where she trained and competed with top coaches and crews along the Charles River. Her crews achieved multiple podium finishes at regional and national competitions, including the Head of the Charles, New England Regionals, Nationals, IRAs, and Dad Vails. She was also selected to train and compete with the U23 National Development Program alongside future Olympians and international rowers.

After graduation, Jan transitioned to coaching and guest coxing while attending physical therapy school. She continued to train and coach with multiple community programs.

Professionally, Coach Jan holds a B.S. and a Master’s in Physical Therapy from Simmons College, as well as a Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. She has earned multiple advanced certifications in sports medicine, orthopedics, and aquatic therapy. Throughout her career, she has worked with professional, Olympic, and elite athletes across various sports in Boston, New York, and Florida. She currently specializes in aquatics, sports rehab, and rehabilitation for diverse populations. She is also credentialed by USRowing as a medical identifier for adaptive rowing.

Coach Jan lives in Parrish with her husband, Bob, and is the proud mother of three daughters, including an MCYR alum. Her coaching philosophy is centered on fostering a love for rowing while encouraging sound mechanics, teamwork, and lifelong skills. She is excited to return to MCYR, where she coached in its early days, and looks forward to helping develop the next generation of rowers.