Coaches
Chris Stevans
Head Coach
Chris rowed for the Florida Institute of Technology’s crew team from 1982-1986, under the tutelage of nationally- renowned head coach Bill Jurgens. During his time at FIT, their rowing team was a top-tier NCAA Division II team, earning numerous Florida State and SIRA titles and winning the men’s team trophy at the 1986 Dad Vail Regatta where he rowed in the silver medal Men’s Varsity Lightweight 8. He re-entered the sport in 2017 when his daughter joined Hickory Crew and realized immediately what he’d been missing. He was the Novice Coach from 2017 to 2020 before moving up to the head coaching position.
Carl Edwards
Assistant Coach
Carl became interested in Crew when his daughter was a coxswain for Great Bridge, and in 2004 tried his hand at sculling with Juniper Rowing Club. He fell in love with the sport immediately and has been a regular sculler at Juniper ever since. He was picked up by Hickory’s coaching staff in 2016 and helps out with both the novice and varsity teams. Always looking to give something back, he views rowing as a sport that engenders positive attitudes and character-building.
Faith Stevans
Assistant Coach
Faith brings years of passion, dedication, and firsthand experience to the coaching staff. She began rowing with Hickory Crew in 2017, where she quickly developed both skill and leadership, ultimately graduating as team captain. After high school, Faith continued her rowing career at Old Dominion University, further deepening her technical knowledge and competitive drive. She is committed to fostering a positive, hardworking environment where athletes feel supported, motivated, and excited to learn the sport she loves.
Bud Spurlock
Assistant Coach
Bud became involved with the program after learning that support was needed for the weightlifting portion of winter conditioning. After meeting with the head coach to understand the team’s needs, he began helping with the winter conditioning program and quickly expanded his role.
As the season progressed, he stepped further into coaching after seeing how much was being handled by a single person at regattas. He was glad to help in whatever capacity was needed to support both the athletes and the program.
While one of his motivations has been spending more time with his son, a senior/rower in the program, what has truly kept him involved is the outstanding group of dedicated, hard-working athletes on this team.
Mindy Hill
Assistant Coach
Mindy Hill discovered rowing while attending Old Dominion University from 2005 to 2008, when the program was still a club team. She rowed for ODU and served as a coxswain with
Hampton Roads Rowing Club (HRRC), gaining experience in both collegiate and adult club rowing. When her daughter joined Hickory Crew, Mindy volunteered as an assistant coach to support the program. She remains involved in order to help young athletes find a sense of belonging and purpose through rowing.