Our friendly coaching staff aims to spread the positive benefits of rowing throughout the community.
Pedro Palacios, Head Coach & Founder
Founder and Head Coach Pedro Palacios has been rowing for more than 30 years. His recent accomplishments include, Bronze Medalist at USA 2019 Nationals in the Elite Quad and Gold medalist in the Elite/Championship Quad at the Head of the Hooch. He is a former Mexican national champion. His sculling technique and training programs from several of his National Team coaches in Mexico have contributed to more than 30 USA National Titles for youth and adult crews from Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the owner of The Rowing Place a Group Indoor Class where QCRC members train during the winter months.
Sofia Palacios, Assistant Coach
Sofia is a Walnut Hills High School alumni. She has been rowing since she was 10 years old. Sofia is now a freshman at the University of Central Florida where she was recruited to row at the Division 1 level. She has medaled at multiple regattas around Midwest and Southeast areas in the country. She coaches our Learn to Row classes when she is off school and is always helping around the club.
Coaches Jessica Rice and Krista Smith
Coaches jessica and krista with head coach pedro enjoying a nice day on the little miami river
Coach Jessica Rice
Coach Jessica Rice joined QCRC through our Adult Learn to Row in 2023. From the moment she took her oars and started rowing her passion for rowing grew. Her skill and athleticism have quickly helped her to become one of the fastest scullers at QCRC. She is a NKU grad where she was a Track and Field athlete. She loves her work at the Ohio River Foundation and enjoys every part of being on the river. Kids love her enthusiasm and patience to teach technique.
Coach Krista Smith
Coach Krista Smith got involved with QCRC when her son and daughter started rowing for our youth program. She and her husband Matt are strong supporters of our team and its efforts to grow our community. She and Matt joined our Adult Learn to Row program a couple of years ago and love to spend time on the rivers. Krista is one of our novice coaches. New kids love her patience and detailed coaching. Our community is so blessed to have people like Krista and Matt.