NEW YORK – Columbia University Director of Rowing, Tom Terhaar, announced the addition of Laurel Korholz to his coaching staff on Thursday afternoon. Korholz will serve as the Assistant Head Coach of the men's heavyweights.
 
Korholz, an Olympic medalist as both a rower and a coach, brings a plethora of experience and knowledge to the Lions. "We are extremely pleased to be able to attract such an accomplished coach to Columbia Rowing," said Terhaar.
 
"Laurel's record and influence on the national team is tremendous.  Her commitment to the U.S. National Team, having won both an Olympic medal as a rower and a coach, makes her a fantastic addition to the staff. Laurel's "team first" approach, work ethic, and care for the individual athlete is tremendous. I know Laurel's leadership will influence all programs. I have been fortunate enough to have worked with Laurel for the past 17 years as a coach, building a strong women's national team, and I look forward to building a strong Columbia team, along with Sam, Nich, Emerson, Andrew, Thomas, Alex, and Robert!"
 
Korholz competed at the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in the eight in 2004. Korholz rowed at seven World Championships, in 1994-95, 1997-99, and 2002-03. She won two medals in the eight, a silver in 1994, and a gold in 1995. She also won gold medals in the eight at the 1996 Lucerne International Regatta and 1996 Mannheim International Regatta.
 
Korholz joined the U.S. rowing coaching staff in 2005, assisting in the training, recruiting and organization of the U.S. Women's National Team. She was an integral part of the success of the women's program, including the women's eight's 11 consecutive world and Olympic championships.
 
A University of California at Berkley graduate, Korholz was named to the Pac-12 Women's Rowing All-Century Team in 2016 and was inducted into the Bears Hall of Fame in 2017. 
 
Most recently, Korholz coached alongside Nich Lee Parker and Tom Terhaar at the 2022 World Rowing Championships in Prague. Korholz oversaw the women's pair, women's four, and women's eight, capturing a bronze medal in women's pair.