AGE: 33
HOMETOWN: Rochester, NY.
SUPERLATIVES: A five-time West Coast Conference (WCC) coach of the year in women’s rowing, Cupini led the Toreros to the program’s first-ever NCAA National Championships appearance in 2014. As a three-time team MVP and two-time All-WCC performer during her student rowing days at USD, Cupini knows what it takes to be great — and inspires her charges with a simple mantra. “I ask our athletes to believe in the power of gratitude for their experience, and the willingness to reach their greatest potential as athletes and as people.”
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: “We work extremely hard in the offseason and motivate each other. We’ve developed a culture of fitness and overall health that is vital to the development of our athletes, along with the support they give each other.” DOWNTIME? “In order for me to be at my best in coaching and life, keeping up my fitness is very important. I love to be out in nature: cycling, running, surfing, you name it. It keeps me grounded and focused. I also try to compete when I can to stay in touch with that feeling the athletes have to go through.”
PRINCESS OF TIDES: “I was an environmental studies major, and I’ve always loved the water. I try to use my knowledge of the local tides to maximize our efficiencies during practice, and it can make a big difference. Anything to get an edge, right?”
