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Kim Cupini is in her first year as the head coach for the University of San Diego Women's Rowing team. She returns to her alma mater, where she rowed as a Toreroand served as the women's assistant coach for two years. Dan Yourg, Associate Director of Athletics commented, "After conducting a national search we are very pleased that Kim has accepted our position of Head Coach for Women's Rowing. She is a USD alum and former assistant coach for us who has a great understanding of our program, and knows what it takes to be successful. Kim is very passionate about rowing, is a great teacher, and fully understands and is committed to what it takes to lead successful student-athletes at USD, in the classroom, in the community and on the water."
Before returning to San Diego, Cupini was the varsity assistant coach at the University of Central Florida. During the 2006-07 season, the University of Central Florida recorded its best season in UCF history, being one of only sixteen teams to earn a NCAA Championship berth. During the season, the Varsity 8 also received its first ranking in the top 10 nationally at No. 9, and the team went on to finish 3rd in the South Region. The squad also claimed the Overall Points Trophy at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA) Championships. Individually, Cupini received a Scholar-Athlete Inspirational Award in the Spring 2007, which was nominated by UCF's first ever National Scholar-Athlete and All-American Krystina Sarff.
During the 2005-06 season at Central Florida, Cupini assisted the Varsity 8 in earning its first ever top-20 ranking in the US Rowing/CRCA Coaches' Poll. That same year the team claimed its highest team ranking to date finishing fourth in its region at the South/Central Regional Championship. Cupini also coached the varsity four to wins over Michigan, UCLA, Notre Dame, Louisville, Columbia, Syracuse, Miami and Clemson. That same year the team was also recognized by the university for the first time with an award for the best community involvement and outreach, as well as having the highest Team GPA out of 17 sports at UCF. Cupini was nominated for the South Region Assistant Coach of the Year in 2006.
As an assistant at University of San Diego, Cupini assisted the team to a 2nd place finish at the West Coast Conference Championships during the 2004-2005 season and boosted the largest varsity returning roster in program history. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Cupini also served as the assistant in the Student-Athlete Academic Support Program. She guided the Toreros in their academics by supervising study hall, assisting student-athletes with their time management and study skills and tutoring in various subjects, including biology, chemistry, and business.
As a rower for the Toreros, Cupini was a three-time team MVP (2001-2003), a two-time Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association All-Conference pick (2002 & 2003), and a two-time All-WCC performer (2001 & 2003). In 2003, she was the recipient of the Leadership and Contribution to Student Life Award. During her rowing career at USD, she also served as co-captain, made the WCC All-Academic Team, was voted the Most Inspirational Athlete, and received the Best Effort award. Cupini graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and a minor in Business Administration.
While rowing and coaching at USD, Cupini also worked for the non-profit organization Aquatic Adventures Science Education Foundation. She taught underprivileged youth marine and environmental science in the classroom as well as leading extended field trips throughout Southern California and Mexico.
Prior to attending the University of San Diego, Cupini attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine where she was a double-sport athlete competing in both rowing and swimming. As a freshman Cupini was awarded the Scott Shire One-Hundred Percent Effort Award for Rowing.
Cupini started her rowing career in her hometown of Rochester, N.Y., as a member of the Pittsford Rowing Club during its inaugural season. Cupini's varsity eight placed second at the New York State Championship and went on to compete at the Junior Nationals in their first year of competition.
Cupini has received the highest USRowing Coaching Certification, Level III, and continues to participate in the USRA Advanced Coaching Series.
