Fogt Named Louisville Rowing Head Coach
July 06, 2007 | Rowing
July 6, 2007
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Laura Fogt, an assistant coach with the University of Louisville rowing program for the last three seasons, has been promoted to head coach of the Cardinals. A native of Raleigh, N.C., Fogt replaces former Cards' head coach Richard Ruggieri, who departed Louisville in June for the head coaching position at Clemson University.
"In the process of doing our national search, it quickly became clear that Laura was a star," said U of L senior associate athletic director Julie Hermann. "She is a critical reason why we were ranked in the Top 20. I look forward to her leading us forward and compete for the BIG EAST title and an NCAA bid. I expect her to be a great leader for the program."
Fogt joined the Cardinals' rowing program in the summer of 2004 working primarily with the second Varsity 8+ crew and the Varsity 4+ crews while also assisting with the development of the novice program and the recruitment of U of L's future rowing talent.
Under Fogt's guidance in 2007, the Cards' second Varsity 8+ and Varsity 4+ crews each won BIG EAST titles to lead the program to a runner-up team finish overall. The Cards' second Varsity 8+ crew also advanced to the Grand Finals at the Aramark South/Central Region Sprints for the first time in the program's history, finishing sixth overall, while in 2006, U of L's second Varsity 8+ boat qualified for the Petite Finals at the Aramark South/Central Region Sprints for the first time in school history.
"I look forward to working with such a phenomenal group of athletes and women who have already achieved national recognition," Fogt said. "It's an honor to be part of the Cardinal Family and supported by such an outstanding athletic department."
Overall in 2007, the Cards' varsity program had its best season ever with three Varsity 8+ wins over Top 20 teams and the program's highest national ranking ever at No. 16 on March 28. U of L closed the season ranked No. 17 in the final USRowing/CRCA Varsity Eight Coaches Poll after earning a victory in the Varsity 8+ petite final at the Aramark South/Central Region Sprints.
Fogt joined the U of L rowing program after a combined six years of rowing and coaching experience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While at Carolina, Fogt served as the novice coach and recruiting coordinator. Fogt's crews experienced much success under her guidance with Top 5 finishes at the Head of the Chattahoochee for two consecutive years, a bronze medal at the 2004 Dad Vail Championships and a strong finish at the 2004 NCAA South Central Championship.
A 2001 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Fogt earned her degree from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a concentration in public relations. Fogt helped lead the Tar Heels to a Top 25 finish for the first time and was a two-time letter winner. During her senior year, Fogt earned MVP honors as well as being named to the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association All-South Region Second Team.
