Jamie Francis is beginning his sixth year at Mercyhurst.
Last season, the women's rowing team finished as national runners-up, bowing to Barry University at the National Championship held in California.
Francis came to Mercyhurst after serving as the head coach of the Pennsylvania State University Crew Club for four years, a title he had held since August 2006. At Penn State, Francis was responsible for all training aspects of the men’s and women’s squads. His efforts led to a Mid-Atlantic Region Women’s Coach of the Year title and gold at the American Collegiate Rowing Association National Championship in the women’s varsity pair and the men’s varsity four. He also guided the clubs progression to the finals at the Dad Vail Regatta in the women’s lightweight four, women’s pair and men’s varsity four.
In the classroom, Francis helped mentor 29 Academic All-Americans and five Mid-Atlantic All-Region student-athletes during his tenure at Penn State.
While in State College, Francis also served as the marketing manager of APPOUTDOORS where he was responsible for all print and digital advertising campaigns. Additionally, he directed the company’s online presence through various social media outlets to increase Web site traffic and online sales.
Prior to his stint at Penn State, the Orlando, Fla. native was a mathematics teacher in the Orange County Public system from 2001 to 2006 and also worked with various rowing programs including the Orlando Area Rowing Society, Orlando Rowing Club, Edgewater High School Crew and Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida.
Francis graduated from the University of Central Florida in May 2000 with bachelor of science and business administration and marketing. Additionally, he holds a Level III plus Advanced Level certification from the United State Rowing Association.
