Meet Head Coach Stephen Lambers

Stephen Lambers enters his first season as Head Coach of Notre Dame Men's Rowing after serving as Varsity Assistant Coach during the 2025–26 season. He brings nearly 20 years of coaching experience and a proven record of developing athletes at the high school, collegiate, and elite levels.

A former nationally competitive rower, Lambers began his career at Grosse Pointe South High School and the Detroit Boat Club before rowing at Wayne State University. He is a multiple-time U.S. national champion in the single scull and represented the United States at the 2009 World Rowing Under 23 Championships.

Lambers began coaching in 2007 and has led successful programs at Detroit Boat Club, St. Joseph's Prep, and Manhasset High School, where he guided the Varsity Eight to the program's best-ever finishes at the New York State Championships and the prestigious Stotesbury Cup Regatta. He also served as U23 Summer Program Director and High Performance Assistant Coach with the Pennsylvania Athletic Club Rowing Association, preparing collegiate and senior athletes for national and international competition.

In addition to coaching, Lambers founded Red Arrow Rowing Club in St. Joseph, Michigan, expanding competitive rowing opportunities for athletes throughout Southwest Michigan. His experience also includes roles with Nielsen-Kellerman Sports Performance Electronics and Vespoli Racing Shells, giving him extensive knowledge of both athlete development and the technical side of the sport.

As Head Coach, Lambers is committed to building a championship culture rooted in technical excellence, relentless work ethic, teamwork, and servant leadership. He is passionate about developing young men of character who pursue excellence in competition, academics, and leadership while embracing the mission and values of the University of Notre Dame.