About Us
WeCanRow-Boston, Inc. is a wellness and recovery program for breast cancer survivors. Founded in 2002, WeCanRow-Boston is the original WeCanRow program, which has affiliates across the country. The program was founded in 2002 by Olympic gold medalist Holly Metcalf. We Can Row is specifically designed to allow breast cancer survivors to reorient themselves with their bodies, giving women a sense of control and putting them in contact with other breast cancer survivors. Rowing helps survivors to re-build physical strength and mental focus, renew self-image and develop the bond of teamwork with women who have had similar cancer experiences.
The goals of the program
- Help women recovering from breast cancer
- Develop healthy and strong bodies
- Become active participants in their own recovery
- Assert control over their bodies
- Rediscover the joy of movement
- Contribute to a mutually empowering recovery team
Coach: Molly Jordan
Molly entered in the rowing world in 1993 as a walk on for the Washington State University crew under Tammy Crawford, where during her novice year she participated in an undefeated season, and brought home a PAC-10 championship. 1997, her college career concluded with another PAC-10 Championship and a National Championship. Moving east to complete a Master's in Social Work from Boston University, Molly became actively involved in the Boston Rowing scene. In 2004 she began coaching masters at the Gentle Giant Rowing Club, where her characteristic enthusiasm and dedication helped build and strengthen the program. In addition to coaching WeCanRow-Boston, Molly has coached G-Row Boston, and is recognized as a favorite coach at Row As One Masters' Camps.
Coach: Alice Taggart
Alice began rowing at Amherst College in 1996 and fell in love with the sport. She worked in graduate school admissions and received her MBA from Boston College before working with G-ROW (Girls Row), and has found that coaching has been the most gratifying job yet, as it allows her to instill the same love of rowing in her athletes. Alice joined WeCanRow-Boston in the Fall of 2010. In addition to her work with WCR-B and G-ROW, she is a consultant and coach at Allison Rimm and Associates in Boston. Alice has run in the Boston Marathon, rows regularly out of the Union Boathouse, is an aspiring baker and has competed in the Head of the Charles regatta.
Founder: Holly Metcalf
Holly Metcalf has been involved with rowing as an athlete and coach for more than twenty years. She was a six-time national/Olympic team member, bringing home the Olympic gold in 1984, as well as three silver and one bronze World Championships medals between 1981 and 1987. She has coached at the national team, collegiate and community levels. After completing a BA at Mt. Holyoke College, she earned a master's degree in risk and prevention and a certificate of advanced study in human development and psychology from Harvard University, where she studied with Carol Gilligan. She founded Row As One Institute, Inc. in 1994. Its first program was aimed to give masters women (age 27+) an opportunity to receive top coaching and training instruction.
From April through October, the program rows on Tuesday evenings on the Charles River out of the Boston University DeWolfe Boathouse on Memorial Drive. During the winter, WCR-B rows in indoor tanks at Boston University. Currently, the program practices on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 to 8:00 pm. In order to accommodate new rowers, we organize a Learn to Row in the spring.
WeCanRow-Boston, Inc. is an official charity in the state of Massachusetts and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.