University of Delaware Assistant Rowing Coach Kirby Droogan has been named to the US Rowing Under-19 selection team staff, according to an April 24 announcement. Droogan will work with athletes who hope to compete in the 2026 World Rowing U-19 Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
This appointment highlights Droogan’s role in supporting junior rowers as they prepare for international competition. The selection staff plays a key part in developing young talent and preparing them for the demands of world-class rowing events.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Team USA this summer,” Droogan said. “I’m eager to work with and learn from such an esteemed coaching staff, while supporting the country’s top junior athletes as they train for the U-19 World Championships. I appreciate Asiya’s (Asiya Mahmud) continued guidance and mentorship—she leads by example with her ongoing commitment to seeking growth opportunities in high-performance settings like the national team.”
Droogan will support athletes during camps held in Chula Vista, California, from June 22 through July 31. Over two full seasons at Delaware, she has coached six all-conference selections and helped guide her squad to a third-place finish at the 2025 Colonial Athletic Association Championships.
The involvement of collegiate coaches like Droogan on national teams can help bridge local programs with international competition standards. This move is seen as an opportunity both for athlete development and professional growth among coaching staff.
