“I love the satisfaction of passing on to others my love of rowing and the possibility of experiencing what I have.”
Marilyn took an LUC Learn to Row class in the spring of 2004 and it was love at first stroke. After just 15 months of rowing, she was tapped to move up to the Women’s Nationally Competitive team, and 2006 was a memorable and incredibly exciting year of rowing, racing, and medals. What a thrill at age 60!!! Marilyn continues to row with the Nat Comp women, and she recently started sculling competitively. Not only has rowing given this pre-Title 9 female the chance to call herself an athlete, but it has also brought a new level of health and fitness to her life and enriched her world with a wonderful new family of friends.
Retiring after 30 years in the classroom, Marilyn began to think about the possibility of coaching, and when a coaching internship was offered in the spring of 2012 she took advantage of the opportunity. Skills learned over her years in the classroom now help her introduce people to the sport she loves and has benefitted from in so many ways. She takes great pleasure in seeing people come to Learn to Row and make the transformation from curious but often unsure and anxious beginner to excited budding athlete with growing confidence and skill who are thrilled with their accomplishments.
“Not only do I enjoy rowing, I love teaching Learn to Row. I started my rowing career at LUC, and it’s great to now share my passion for rowing with others.”
In addition to being head Learn to Row coach, Martha serves as LUC’s boatman and keeps things orderly and running smoothly around the boathouse. Martha grew up sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, messing around on boats since she was five years old. Thirty years as a Navy wife taught her how to fend and fix anything. She now strives to keep our shells, oars and other equipment in tip top condition.
An inspirational leader and captivating presenter, Rome is able to work with you on any topic or business problem you may encounter. She has spent over 30 years as a transformation real estate developer and builder, serving on the Holy Names Academy Building Committee and Board of Trustees restoring some of Seattle’s most historical buildings. Rome has managed over 120 employees and is a master at construction in every sense of the word. One minute handling a $21 million development near the Seahawks Stadium and the next directing international volunteer projects as far away
as South Africa as part of the LUC Outreach Foundation.
In 2003 she set up the Seattle Team Building Institute which provided a forum to pass on the valuable business lessons and team building experience she has gained. Rome recognized the natural fit of rowing as a metaphor for a group of individuals in a work environment trying to coordinate as a team.
Understanding the level of effort that is required for business change and planning for the future is second nature to her. She has worked hard on constructing successful businesses, literally, from the ground up while coaching, leading and cultivating winning teams in high profile national and international competitions.
