Copeland Hires Assistant Grant Maddock
September 25, 2026 | Rowing
Maddock joins the Cardinals after three seasons as the head coach of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s men’s and women’s rowing programs
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville rowing head coach Derek Copeland announced the addition of assistant coach Grant Maddock on Friday.
Maddock joins the Louisville staff after three seasons as the head coach of Embry-Riddle's men's and women's rowing programs.
"Grant definitely knows how to help make programs fast, and it is clear that he is eager to contribute to our mission," said Copeland on the hire. "While Grant is also bringing a fair amount of traditional coaching skills, he also has many unique experiences that will add color and depth to our coaching staff. Both Grant and Sabrina add to an already great group of coaches and staff. We really think we have a good thing going here with Louisville Rowing, and we are reminded of this when more great people choose to join the mission."
"I'm beyond excited to begin this next chapter at UofL," said Maddock on joining the staff. "From my first conversations with the program, there was a clear appetite for growth and a real belief in the vision for this team. That made Louisville Rowing feel like the right place for me. I'm grateful to Derek, Ed and Egan for their trust throughout the process. I'm ready to get to work and build on what's already here. Go Cards!"
Maddock led Embry Riddle women's rowing to the 2025 NCAA Division II National Championship, the program's first NCAA era national championship. He guided the women's program to four consecutive Sunshine State Conference Championships while earning the CRCA Division II Coach and Coaching Staff of the Year Awards in 2025 as well.
In his time at Embry Riddle, Maddock also led the men's program to its first IRCA/Division I Top 25 ranking. Under Maddock's tutelage, the crew earned the 2024 IRCA Comeback Team of the Year award.
Prior to being named head coach of the Eagles, Maddock was an assistant for both the men's and women's program for the 2022-23 season. Before joining Embry-Riddle's staff, he served as the director of rowing and head men's rowing coach at Ohio State during the 2021-22 season where he oversaw and executed all functions of the men's rowing program.
Maddock has developed multiple student-athletes that have earned All-American, All-Conference, Academic All-American and Academic All-District honors over his many years of coaching.
During the summer of 2022, Maddock also was the program manager and head coach of the Bermuda Rowing Association for two months. He managed an eight-week international rowing camp that focused on small-boat training for youth and masters level athletes. Additionally, he coordinated all aspects of the program including coaching operations and equipment maintenance.
From February 2020 to June 2021, Maddock received his first experience as a head coach while working for Oyster Bay Community Rowing & Syosset Rowing. For 17 months, he trained athletes and oversaw programming of the youth, masters, and under-23 development teams. Maddock grew the program from 23 athletes to over 75 and assisted 10 athletes in receiving full scholarships at NCAA institutions for the fall 2021 semester.
Maddock graduated from the University of San Diego in 2019 with a master's degree in Social Innovation. He began his coaching career with the Toreros as a graduate assistant for the men's rowing program from August 2018 to May 2019.
Maddock joins the Louisville staff after three seasons as the head coach of Embry-Riddle's men's and women's rowing programs.
"Grant definitely knows how to help make programs fast, and it is clear that he is eager to contribute to our mission," said Copeland on the hire. "While Grant is also bringing a fair amount of traditional coaching skills, he also has many unique experiences that will add color and depth to our coaching staff. Both Grant and Sabrina add to an already great group of coaches and staff. We really think we have a good thing going here with Louisville Rowing, and we are reminded of this when more great people choose to join the mission."
"I'm beyond excited to begin this next chapter at UofL," said Maddock on joining the staff. "From my first conversations with the program, there was a clear appetite for growth and a real belief in the vision for this team. That made Louisville Rowing feel like the right place for me. I'm grateful to Derek, Ed and Egan for their trust throughout the process. I'm ready to get to work and build on what's already here. Go Cards!"
Maddock led Embry Riddle women's rowing to the 2025 NCAA Division II National Championship, the program's first NCAA era national championship. He guided the women's program to four consecutive Sunshine State Conference Championships while earning the CRCA Division II Coach and Coaching Staff of the Year Awards in 2025 as well.
In his time at Embry Riddle, Maddock also led the men's program to its first IRCA/Division I Top 25 ranking. Under Maddock's tutelage, the crew earned the 2024 IRCA Comeback Team of the Year award.
Prior to being named head coach of the Eagles, Maddock was an assistant for both the men's and women's program for the 2022-23 season. Before joining Embry-Riddle's staff, he served as the director of rowing and head men's rowing coach at Ohio State during the 2021-22 season where he oversaw and executed all functions of the men's rowing program.
Maddock has developed multiple student-athletes that have earned All-American, All-Conference, Academic All-American and Academic All-District honors over his many years of coaching.
During the summer of 2022, Maddock also was the program manager and head coach of the Bermuda Rowing Association for two months. He managed an eight-week international rowing camp that focused on small-boat training for youth and masters level athletes. Additionally, he coordinated all aspects of the program including coaching operations and equipment maintenance.
From February 2020 to June 2021, Maddock received his first experience as a head coach while working for Oyster Bay Community Rowing & Syosset Rowing. For 17 months, he trained athletes and oversaw programming of the youth, masters, and under-23 development teams. Maddock grew the program from 23 athletes to over 75 and assisted 10 athletes in receiving full scholarships at NCAA institutions for the fall 2021 semester.
Maddock graduated from the University of San Diego in 2019 with a master's degree in Social Innovation. He began his coaching career with the Toreros as a graduate assistant for the men's rowing program from August 2018 to May 2019.
Thursday, September 11
Tuesday, January 24
Tuesday, January 14
Saturday, October 05
