Our coaches
Our coaches bring years of rowing and competitive coaching experience to SCAR, creating a supportive environment where athletes can learn, grow, and succeed. From introducing beginners to the sport to developing state, regional, and national-level competitors, our coaching staff is dedicated to building confident athletes, strong teammates, and lifelong leaders on and off the water.
Michelle Hill
Head Coach
Education:
-
Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees in Law from Stellenbosch University
Certifications:
-
USRowing
Level 3 High-Performance Coach Certification Course
-
Amateur Rowing Association
Coaching Credentials (UK)
Michelle Hill was born and raised in South Africa and began her rowing career at Stellenbosch University, where she was a member of the Varsity 8 for five years. During that time, she competed in five University Boat Races, five University Championships, and two National Championships. Michelle began coaching at Stellenbosch and also served as president of her college rowing club.
Michelle was the first woman elected to serve as President of South African Student Rowing, a role in which she coordinated and ran all student rowing events across the country.
Upon graduating with undergraduate and graduate law degrees, Michelle’s passion for rowing led her to Great Britain, where she rowed extensively, earned her Amateur Rowing Association coaching credentials, and coached two college crews at Oxford University.
After leaving Great Britain, Michelle moved to Falls Church, Virginia, where she coached the Lake Braddock freshman/novice girls to an undefeated season in 2001. She then took on the role of Graduate Assistant Coach and later Novice/Freshman Coach at Southern Methodist University, where she coached for nearly three years.
In 2006, Michelle began coaching at Lake Brantley High School, where she served as Head Coach of the boys’ high school team. During her two seasons at Lake Brantley, the team won a state championship title in the lightweight four with coxswain. Michelle later took a break from rowing to focus on her family and taught for Orange County Public Schools for eight years.
In 2019, Michelle returned to the rowing world as Head Coach of the Winter Park Middle School Crew Program. She later became Head Coach at Lyman Rowing, which expanded into Seminole County Area Rowing during the 2021–2022 season. Under her leadership, the team earned numerous victories, including a state championship in the women’s junior double sculls, a state championship in the scholastic men’s junior single scull, and both state and national championships in the women’s varsity single sculls.
Michelle is married to Kitt, a football coach and teacher at Winter Park High School. Together, they have two daughters, one of whom is also a rower and currently rows at the University of Virginia. Michelle also serves as the Central District Representative to the Florida Scholastic Rowing Association.
Follow along with Coach Michelle and our Varsity Crew on Instagram.
Alexandra Morris
Development Coach
Education:
-
Bachelor's Degree in
General PsychologyUniversity of Central Florida (UCF)
-
Minor in
Early Childhood Development and Education
Certifications:
-
Lyman Rowing Association
-
South Orlando Rowing Association for Middle School Programs
Alexandra's rowing journey began in Summer 2015 with the Lyman Rowing Association. She competed in the Junior 8+ at the FSRA State Sweep championships, winning first scholastically and second overall. She also competed in the prestigious Stonebury Cup in Philadelphia, winning first in state, and wrapped up her high school rowing career with a first place win at the FSRA Sculling Championships.
As senior co-captain, Alexandra earned the Team Spirit Golden Oar (team dominated) and Hammer awards (fastest rower) and thirty-six medals overall. She was recruited to UCF's D1 women's rowing team, where she competed in stroke seat, leading her boat to gold with a commanding 30-second victory.
Alexandra graduated from UCF in Spring 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in General Psychology and a minor in Early Childhood Development and Education.
Her coaching experience includes Lyman Rowing Association and South Orlando Rowing Association middle school programs.
Now back where her journey began, she's excited to develop the next generation of Seminole County rowers.
Follow along with Coach Alex and our Development Crew on Instagram.
Jessica Buzzard
Assistant Coach
Certifications:
-
USRowing
Level 1 Coaching Certification Course
Coach Jessica Buzzard brings a passion for rowing, athlete development, and teamwork to the SCAR coaching staff. She is dedicated to helping new and experienced rowers build confidence, refine their technique, and develop a lifelong love for the sport.
As an assistant coach, Jessica works closely with athletes both on and off the water, focusing on fundamentals, boat handling, teamwork, and creating a positive training environment where every rower can succeed. Her approachable coaching style helps athletes feel supported while challenging them to reach their full potential.
Whether she's teaching a beginner their first stroke or helping experienced athletes sharpen their skills, Coach Jessica believes that rowing is about more than speed on the water—it's about perseverance, discipline, leadership, and building friendships that last a lifetime.
When she's not coaching, Jessica enjoys being part of the rowing community and helping athletes discover the confidence and sense of accomplishment that come from working hard toward a common goal.