ITHACA, N.Y. – After 30 years at the helm of the women's rowing program, Becky Robinson '88 has announced that she is retiring. Robinson rowed for the Bombers from 1985-87 and took over as the head coach of the program prior to the start of the 1995 season.

"I am so grateful for all that Ithaca College has done for me as a student, athlete, alum, parent, and coach," remarked Becky Robinson. "I want to thank Susan Bassett for her support and also thank the 300+ rowers that I have coached and for allowing me to be a part of each of their journeys."

Under the direction of Becky Robinson, Ithaca College has had consistent medal finishes at the NYS Championship regattas, have made 23 NCAA Championship appearances and won two NCAA Championships winning team titles in both 2004 and 2005. They were also the first back-to-back national championship teams for NCAA Division III women's rowing. The 2004 first varsity 8 posted an undefeated regular season for the first time ever. The second varsity 8 was also unbeaten until the NCAA Championship.

"Becky Robinson is a force," said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Susan Bassett '79. "She is among the most talented and effective coaches I have worked with in any sport. It has been a joy to be around her and our women's rowers and scullers because of her thoughtful leadership and her detailed commitment to excellence. Becky is a phenomenal teacher and motivator.  She has taken the concept of teaching through sport participation to an elite level. Ithaca College is fortunate to have her dedicated service and it has been my privilege to have worked with her. I wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life."

Robinson has also contributed to the development of several elite level athletes that have rowed on the national stage, including five-time US Rowing National teamer Mary Obidinski ('97), and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Meg Musnicki ('05).  She coached Emily Morley ('16) in the 1x at the Americas Olympic Selection Regatta and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, helping her become the first Bahamian athlete to represent her country in an Olympic Rowing event. Musnicki '05, a 41-year-old is set to become the oldest American woman to row at an Olympics as she is part of a pool of 12 women who will be placed in either the four boat or the eight boat, during the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games from Paris.

"I have loved coaching the past 30 years, but the time feels right to step away," said Robinson. "I am taking an early retirement to spend time exploring my other interests and find new adventures while I still have my health and a partner to share it with."

Under her guidance, the 2023-24 season saw the Bombers capture their sixth-straight Liberty League Championship, they walked away with victories in six of the eight events they entered at the NYS Championships, and most recently finished in fifth place as a team at the 2024 NCAA Division III National Championships.

Along with the retirement announcement of Robinson, assistant women's rowing & sculling coach Beth Greene '00 has been elevated to assume head coaching responsibilities of both the women's rowing program and sculling.

"It is with absolute confidence that I am pleased to announce the promotion of Beth Greene '00 to Head Women's Rowing and Sculling Coach. Beth is one of our most accomplished rowers and has worked alongside Becky Robinson for 14 years, contributing to every aspect of our rowing and sculling success.  I know that Beth will bring the passion, commitment, and expertise that Ithaca College Rowing has come to expect. She will provide an excellent transition for our program and will put her own stamp on IC Women's Rowing.  We are fortunate to have Beth Greene step in as our next head coach and I look forward to working with her in this role."

Greene has been a member of the women's rowing coaching staff for the past 14 seasons and also is an alumna of the program where she was a four-year rower and was awarded CRCA First Team All-American in 2000.

"I want to thank Susan Bassett and Ithaca College for trusting me to carry the torch of Ithaca Rowing and Sculling into this next phase," said Greene. "I'm beyond lucky to have spent so many years with Becky as my teammate and mentor and will give my all to build on the legacy of family and performance that have defined this team."