Kelly Kraiss PhD | D1 NCAA Alabama Rowing Coach, Special Education Professor & Advocate, Athlete

As the saying goes, Kelly Kraiss has many feathers to her bow. NCAA D1 coach, advocate, professor, scholar (PhD), and an athlete. Kelly is currently an Assistant Coach with The University of Alabama’s rowing crew and is a part-time professor. We spend a lot of this episode diving into her various passions in life - special education, rowing, advocacy, and family. Her personality is immeditely infectious and welcoming, and I ask how these notable traits may sometimes come in conflict with the stereotypical characteristics given to 'serious' coaches/leaders. & of course her answers are wonderful! Being feminine, intelligent and friendly, are what make her such an impactful advocate & coach. Growing up in Florida, Kelly became immersed in the rowing world which would eventually lead her to row NCAA D1 at the University of Tennessee, before moving into her role as coach for the USRowing High-Performance, and Olympic Development Camps, at Rutgers (go RU!), and for masters, highschool, novice and collegiate D1 athletes. She has consistently produced NCAA Division 1 and US National Team athletes, some going on to medal on the world stage. Alongside her rowing career, Kelly continued educating herself and working in the special education field. Earning a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, a master's in exceptional education, and a Ph.D. in education… and also graduated from Brooklyn Law School. As someone fortunate enough to know Kelly, I understand that of all her accomplishments being a sister, daughter, and friend are her most treasured. Listen to the full interview on Spotify, iHeart Radio, or Apple Podcasts. #rowing #alabama #rolltide #coach #row #specialeducation #community #advocate #phd #mentalperformance #podcast #tallpoppytalk #mentalhealthmatters #newzealand #teaching #athlete