05/06/2026
Ridley Graduate Boat Club is excited to welcome our new Head Coach and Club Captain, Jirianna Couroux, to our team!
Jirianna discovered her passion for rowing while watching crews glide across Lake Banook in Nova Scotia. Captivated by the rhythm, teamwork, and power of the sport, she quickly fell in love with rowing and the sense of connection it creates—both on the water and within a team.
Although she never pursued rowing herself, the sport remained close to her heart. Years later, that connection deepened when her oldest daughter took up rowing in high school, bringing Jirianna back to the shoreline—this time as a proud and enthusiastic supporter.
Her love for the water eventually led her down her own path. Drawn to the calm, challenge, and adventure it offers, she embraced canoeing and kayaking. Today, Jirianna is a certified canoe tripping and basic kayak instructor, sharing her knowledge and passion with others while continuing to build her connection to life on the water.
Jirianna’s involvement in rowing grew when she began volunteering with the South Niagara Rowing Club, where her dedication and enthusiasm quickly led to a position on the Board of Directors. After several months, she chose to deepen her commitment even further, beginning her journey into coaching and boat repair. Coaching since 2019, she has had the opportunity to learn from and train under exceptional mentors, shaping her approach and philosophy in the sport.
She has also contributed her skills and knowledge through roles with Row Ontario, Leander Boat Club, and McMaster University. Passionate about continuous growth, Jirianna is always seeking new opportunities to learn and develop. She is currently working toward her Performance Coach certification and pursuing boat repair certification with Filippi, further expanding her expertise both on and off the water.
We are excited to have Jirianna on our team!