Coaches & Board

Picture of Coach Bernhard Stomporowski with megaphone

Bernhard Stomporowski | Head Coach

Meet Coach Barnhard “Stompo” Stomporowski

Born in Braunschweig, West Germany, Barnhard Stomporowski—known affectionately as “Stompo” in the rowing world—brings unparalleled expertise and passion to the Sarasota Scullers as Director of Rowing and Head Coach. His remarkable journey in rowing began in 1982, launching a distinguished international career. A standout moment came in 1987 at the World Rowing Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he won a silver medal with the lightweight eight. Stompo went on to compete in numerous World Championships and proudly represented Germany at the 1996 Summer Olympics in the Lightweight Coxless Four.

With nearly three decades of elite-level coaching, Stompo has shaped countless World Championship athletes and guided many toward Olympic trials and success. His coaching odyssey has spanned the globe—Switzerland, China, the USA, Canada, and Brazil—where he has honed his craft, transforming athletes into champions both on the water and in life.

Now leading the Sarasota Scullers, Stompo is committed to developing the Whole Rower. His philosophy emphasizes not only athletic excellence but also personal growth, resilience, and a lifelong passion for rowing. “Coaching young athletes is about more than fast strokes,” Stompo shares. “It’s about nurturing their evolution into exceptional individuals.”

Inspired by his father’s empowering teaching style, Stompo fosters a transformative environment where athletes are encouraged to take ownership of their journey. His approach equips rowers with the skills, discipline, and confidence to excel in competition and beyond.

Join the Sarasota Scullers and train under Coach Stompo’s world-class guidance, where elite rowing meets a commitment to personal growth and the joy of the sport.

Ray Giannini | Head Middle School Coach

Rower | Teacher | Mentor

Over two decades ago, Ray made Sarasota his home, arriving from not just one—but two—of America’s rowing capitals: Philadelphia and Boston. Though he grew up in New England and later lived in Philadelphia, where rowing is deeply woven into the cultural fabric, Ray never dipped an oar into the water. His athletic focus was elsewhere, devoted to baseball, football, and running.

It wasn’t until age 49, after settling into life in Sarasota, that Ray experienced rowing for the first time. He describes the moment as “love at first row”—instantly captivated by the sport’s blend of fun, fitness, camaraderie, and its lifelong accessibility. For Coach Ray, rowing wasn’t just a hobby; it became a passion that promised vitality well into his senior years.

A Coach Born on Sarasota’s Waters

Ray’s journey began right here on the same waters the Sarasota Scullers row every day. He picked up the sport in 1999, largely teaching himself with occasional guidance from his longtime friend and Masters Coach.

As Ray’s love for rowing deepened, so did his desire to share it. He discovered a second calling: coaching new and novice Master rowers. Watching his students light up with joy as they begin to master the rhythm and grace of rowing has been one of the most rewarding parts of his life. He firmly believes rowing offers a pathway to the healthy, active lifestyle – something young people don’t typically think about. He believes in the life-long impacts especially knowing many rowers continue gliding across the water well into their 70s and 80s.

Join us at the Sarasota Scullers where Ray’s experience and passion guide new rowers’ journey on the water and beyond.

Join the Sarasota Scullers

Sarasota Scullers

Board of Directors

Sarasota Scullers holds monthly board meetings on the second Monday of the month at 6pm. Please contact the board Secretary to confirm the meeting time and location. If you would like to speak to the board, please email the office ahead of time at office@sarasotascullers.org.

Our Board’s passionate support for youth sports and sustainability are crucial to the success of our organization. We have a diverse team that brings the Sarasota Scullers Youth Rowing Program close to the community and ensures a bright future. Thank you, Board Members, for your commitment to the Scullers team.

Erica Gillie (President)
Liliana Alzate Baez (Vice President)
Roger Redman (Treasurer)
Ashley Matthews (Secretary)
Pete Petersen (Immediate Past President)
Maya Bienefeld
Eduardo DeCamillis