July 24, 2001

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.--Sarah Haney, who as a UNC undergraduate helped push the women's rowing program toward varsity status, has joined the University of North Carolina rowing staff as an assistant coach. "I'm thrilled to be able to bring back one of our own to help guide Carolina rowing through its next stage of growth," said UNC head coach Joel Furtek. "Sarah will provide us with a critical link to the past of Carolina rowing, and due to her youth, she is also the future of it. The entire Carolina rowing family is excited for her return, and I couldn't imagine a better fit for our program."

Haney returns to UNC after two years as assistant coach of the lightweight women's team at the University of Wisconsin. While with the Badgers, she directed novice practices, conducted team tryouts and coordinated recruiting efforts, among other responsibilities.

At UNC, Haney will head the novice program and be responsible for the recruitment and development of all talent, both experienced high school rowers and true novices already on campus.

Haney served as a Tar Heel volunteer assistant coach during the fall of 1998 while completing her undergraduate degree. Upon graduating that December with a double major in English and exercise & sports science, she joined the Carolina staff on a fulltime basis for the spring of 1999.

A native of Southern Pines, N.C., Haney served as captain of the Tar Heel women's rowing club team in 1996 and '97. She helped lobby for rowing's elevation to a varsity sport and was a member of the first UNC varsity squad in 1997-98.

The North Carolina women's rowing team will embark on its fifth season as a varsity program this fall. The Tar Heels compete throughout the fall and spring and will begin practice on Aug. 21, the first day of classes.