Meet Our Staff

Our coaches bring the technical proficiency and passion necessary to foster growth in our youth athletes. From absolute beginners to varsity competitors, our staff is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and competitive environment where rowers can thrive both on and off the water.

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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, Varsity Boys Coach

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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.

Assistant Modified Team Coach

Scott Clark

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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

Varsity Girls Coach

Layne 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.

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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

Boatman

David Clayman

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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.

Modified Head Coach

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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!

Complete our interest form