Bio

Michael Luecker, a dedicated rowing enthusiast with a background as a Division I athlete, innovator, and leadership coach is Cal Maritime's new Head Men's and Women's  Crew Coach, as announced by Director of Athletics and Physical Education Karen Lee Yoder on December 18, 2024.

"From the start of this search, I wanted to find a leader who could not only elevate our crew programs but also align with Cal Maritime's core values of leadership and teamwork," said Yoder. "Michael's passion for rowing, combined with his innovative and analytical mindset, makes him the perfect fit for our student-athletes to thrive both on and off the water."

"I am thrilled to join Cal Maritime and contribute to the development of student-athletes as rowers and leaders," said Luecker. "Rowing has always been a part of my life, and I look forward to applying my experience and passion to build a competitive and growth-oriented program."

Luecker's rowing journey began with the Oakland Strokes Rowing Club in high school, where he competed in high-stakes regattas and developed a strong foundation in teamwork, discipline, and technical rowing. His passion for the sport led him to Oregon State University, where he competed as a Division I rower.

During his time with the Beavers, he honed his technical skills, race strategy, and endurance training, participating in regional and national regattas.

At Oregon State, Luecker's passion for rowing extended beyond the boat as he collaborated with his Power10 Rowing, LLC team to collect and interpret performance data using innovative technology, including his patented force-sensing oar (US Patent #8192242B2). This innovative technology allowed the team to evaluate rowing form, speed, and power through force output curves and data visualization. By leveraging these insights, Luecker worked with coaches to refine training programs and provide targeted feedback to improve individual and team performance.

A certified leadership trainer and coach with the John Maxwell Team, Luecker brings a unique combination of technical and interpersonal skills to Cal Maritime. His expertise in communication, motivation, and team-building creates an environment that supports athletes at all competitive levels. 

"I believe rowing is more than just a sport, it's a platform for developing leaders who can thrive under pressure and work collaboratively," said Luecker. "Cal Maritime's emphasis on leadership development aligns perfectly with my philosophy as a coach."

His hire comes at an optimal time in the academic year, allowing him to develop a comprehensive training plan and prepare the team for a competitive spring season. The spring regatta schedule will be announced on GoKeelhaulers.com in early January, following finalization by Coach Luecker.