Our professional coaching staff brings years of rowing and coaching experience to Twin Cities Youth Rowing. Every coach is USRowing certified, CPR and First Aid certified, and Minnesota boating certified, ensuring a safe, knowledgeable, and supportive environment for every athlete. Beyond developing faster rowers, our mission is to help each individual grow as an athlete, teammate, and person. Through technical expertise, a deep understanding of rowing physiology, and a genuine passion for the sport, our coaches are committed to helping young men and women discover their potential and excel in one of the world's greatest team sports.
meet the coaches
CORY CONZEMIUS
Cory Conzemius is a USRowing Level 3 Certified Coach with more than 15 years of coaching experience at the youth, collegiate, and adult levels. A Minnesota native, Cory returned home in 2026 to lead the Twin Cities Youth Rowing program after coaching across the country, including serving for the past four years with the Uni-USA Team coaching staff, preparing collegiate athletes for international competition.
Throughout his career, Cory has helped athletes and crews achieve success at every level, including coaching a Youth National Championship-winning boys' pair. His coaching philosophy centers on developing efficient, technically sound rowing while fostering teamwork, communication, and a shared commitment to boat speed. He believes that athletes perform their best when they enjoy the process, embracing the philosophy that when you're having fun, you can go fast.
Cory lives in Chaska, Minnesota. Outside of rowing, he enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and cheering on his favorite college sports teams.
HEAD COACH | PROGRAM DIRECTOR
HELENA GUTZMER
Helena Gutzmer returned to Twin Cities Youth Rowing Club in the spring of 2026 as an Assistant Coach, bringing both collegiate rowing experience and a deep connection to the program as a TCYRC alumna.
A graduate of TCYRC, Helena understands the values and culture that have shaped the club and is passionate about helping the next generation of athletes grow both on and off the water. She previously coached with TCYRC during the summer of 2023, where she helped develop novice athletes and foster a positive introduction to the sport.
Helena competed at the NCAA Division I level for the University of Tulsa, earning four varsity letters during her collegiate career. While in Tulsa, she also served as a coach with the Tulsa Youth Rowing Association, working with both novice and varsity athletes to build technical skills, confidence, and a love for rowing.
As a coach, Helena is committed to creating an environment where athletes are challenged to improve every day while developing the discipline, resilience, and teamwork that extend far beyond the boathouse. Her unique perspective as both a former TCYRC athlete and collegiate rower allows her to connect with athletes at every stage of their development and help guide them toward reaching their full potential.
ASSISTANT COACH
Cassie Nemecek
Cassie Nemecek joined Twin Cities Youth Rowing as an Assistant Coach in the summer of 2026, bringing NCAA Division I rowing experience and a passion for helping young athletes reach their full potential both on and off the water.
A native of Minnetrista, Minnesota, Cassie is pursuing a degree in Economics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She earned a spot on Wisconsin's NCAA Division I rowing team as a walk-on and has competed with the Badgers for the past two seasons. Her collegiate experience has reinforced the values of perseverance, teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of continuous improvement.
As a coach, Cassie is committed to creating a positive, athlete-centered environment where rowers build confidence, master strong technical fundamentals, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the sport. She believes that consistent effort, a supportive team culture, and enjoying the journey are the foundation for success—not only in rowing, but in life.
SUMMER COACH
Let’s work together
Are you a former rower or rowing coach interested in working for Twin Cities Youth Rowing? We are often looking for qualified coaches to enhance our team and would love to hear from you!