OUR COACHES
Coach John Jacobs
Coach John is an alumni of Lyman High School and a 5 year rower for Lyman Rowing Association. Coach John started rowing for LRA's middle school program and continued on becoming the Vice-Captain of the team his junior year and Captain his senior year. He is both a sweep rower and sculler. He earned numerous medals while rowing at Lyman including a bronze medal at FSRA Sweep State Championships in the Men's Freshmen 8, First Place Men's Varsity 8 at the Gator Head Regatta, Overall Points Trophy two years in a row, and bronze medal at The Stotesbury Cup. Coach John also received the Jake Snyder Award. Coach John volunteered many hours throughout high school helping with the middle school program. His love of the middle school program makes him a perfect fit! Coach John has coached all aspects on rowing from middle school through the high school varsity level. His crews have won numerous medals and trophies. His knowledge and love of rowing is seen everyday when he is coaching his rowers.
Coach Luka Simonovski
Luka Simonovski is our assistant high school coach. He is a graduate of Lyman High School where he started rowing in 2015. Currently, Coach Luka attends Valencia College. He plans to transfer to University of Central Florida Spring 2021 to study anthropology. Coach Luka decided he wanted to coach because of his love or rowing and love for his alma mater team. He wants to be able to give back to the team that taught him so much not just about rowing but about life. He appreciates all the things he learned from his high school coaches and is excited to be able to teach the next generation of rowers. Not to mention that Coach Luka is very competitive and plans to instill that competitive edge into his rowers
Coach Shae Gately
Shae Gately is our Middle School Coach. He is a graduate of Lyman High School. Coach Shae moved to Longwood from Miami in 2013 but started rowing right away. Coach Shae currently attends University of Central Florida and is pursuing a degree in hospitality from the Rosen College. He enjoys the local theme parks and works at a Universal Hotel. He is excited to be back to the team he loves so much and can’t wait for a for a great yet socially distant season!
