Meet Our Coaches
Shelby Kislowski
Shelby Kislowski is the Head Coach of Shenendehowa Rowing, bringing extensive experience as both a competitive rower and a dedicated coach. She rowed for six years with Burnt Hills Rowing Association and competed at the Division I level for Marist University. Shelby also served as Head Modified Rowing Coach at Burnt Hills, where her athletes earned a state title under her leadership.
In addition to leading Shenendehowa’s crew team, Shelby also serves as Co-Head Coach of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s crew program, demonstrating a strong commitment to developing athletes at every level.
Shelby holds a Master of Science in Environmental Studies and Environmental Education, complemented by a background in project management, communications, and organizational leadership. This unique blend of skills informs her coaching approach and fuels her dedication to growing and strengthening the Shenendehowa Rowing Program.
Team Head Coach
Scott McDonald
Scott McDonald joined Shen Rowing in April 2015 as a Modified coach, summer camp coach, and Masters coach.
Scott rowed at F.D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park, NY, and Marist College, and like Coach Clayman, way back in the days of wooden boats and oars. He is a Shen Rowing parent with his oldest daughter Maya rowed at SUNY Binghamton and Layne rowing at Marist.
Coach Scott works in the renewable energy field and holds degrees in Environmental Science and Mechanical Engineering.
HS Assistant Coach
Scott Clark is currently a middle school Science Teacher at Shenendehowa with 20+ years of teaching experience. His wealth of experience as an educator has made him adapt, learn, and become a critical member of our Modified Program.
Scott has had a love of water in all forms - swimming, scuba diving, sailing, canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking, water skiing or rowing throughout his life. Scott has had two daughters row for Shen Rowing.
Scott currently holds a US Rowing Certified Level 1 Coach and holds a regularly updated CPR/First Aid certification. Additionally he has run a leadership summer program for Shen Central Schools on a yearly basis.
Co-Head Modified Team CoachScott Clark
Helen Gutelius
Helen joined Shen Rowing in 2023 as a coach for the modified program.
Helen is a Shen Rowing Alum herself, having graduated in 2017 after rowing in both the modified and varsity programs.
Helen has also rowed on the collegiate club level with Stony Brook University Rowing, from which she graduated in 2021.
Helen currently works as an engineer in the semiconductor industry, and enjoys swimming, hiking, and (of course) rowing in her spare time.
Modified Assistant Coach
Layne McDonald
HS Assistant CoachLayne joined Shen Rowing as a coach for the learn-to-row program in 2024. As Shen Rowing alum, she began rowing in 2014 and went on to compete at the Division I level for Iona University graduating in 2025.
Layne holds a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in ecology and environmental science, reflecting her passion for understanding and protecting the natural world. As the freshman girls coach, she is excited to share her experience, build strong fundamentals, and help athletes grow both on and off the water.
Outside of rowing, Layne enjoys spending time outdoors, whether that’s hiking, being on the water, or exploring nature.
Coach Dave was the head coach at SGS Rowing for a 12 years. Prior to coaching at SGS, Coach Dave coached at Schenectady, Niskayuna, and Aqueduct Rowing. He has 20+ years of coaching experience and 40+ years of rowing experience going back to the days of wooden boats and wooden oars.
Coach Dave continues to row his single and club boats with Aqueduct Rowing Club. When he isn’t rowing or coaching rowing he takes out his sailing vessel Lady Bug and is an equally accomplished sailor. Coach Dave is a retired Mechanical Engineer
Co-Head Modified Team CoachDavid Clayman
Maria Shorkey
Maria began coaching for the Shenendehowa modified program in 2016 following her graduation from BHBL High, where she rowed for 6 years.
Since then, she has been studying and working in the field of graphic design; and has coached modified, varsity and masters programs on both the Mohawk River at home and Meadow Lake in New York City.
Though she spends most her time farming and honing her craft, she can't be kept away from the water long, and often enjoys rowing with the BHRA Master's team.
HS / Modified Assistant Coach
HS Assistant CoachGrace Barber
Grace began coaching with Shen Rowing in 2026. She was a former Shen Rowing athlete and a Division I level at Iona University, where she held the position of team captain and earned her Bachelor’s (B.S.) in Biology. She is now continuing her education through Eastern University, for her Master’s (M.S.) in Data Science and Analytics.
As the freshman boys' coach, she focuses on building a strong technical foundation, encouraging consistency, and creating a team culture that promotes growth and confidence.
When she’s not at practice or studying, Grace is still a hardcore endurance athlete, who enjoys running and biking. She loves participating in organized races, and ultimately hopes to one day complete all the World Major Marathons. She also enjoys cooking and baking, always coming up with the next best recipe to test out on her friends and family!
Interested in joining our coaching staff?
We are always looking for talented and passionate coaches to join our team! Please fill out the interest form below.
We provide rowing training and competition opportunities to more than 40 youth rowers attending the Shenendehowa School District, which is one of the largest in the state. We are located 20 minutes south from Fish Creek in Saratoga. We can offer you competitive pay, training and a fun working environment.
We also run several camps during the summer which are an excellent way for high school rowers to begin their coaching career and build their coaching resume. Contact us for more information!