Tom Wedgwood Named Penn AC HPG Head Coach
After a comprehensive search, Penn AC is excited to announce that Thomas Wedgwood accepted the position of High Performance Head Coach & Director of Programs at Penn AC!
Tom brings a wealth of experience from his time as Director of the Waterford Wedgwood Group in Asia, as well as his coaching roles at clubs in Switzerland and Great Britain. He developed athletes who competed for the GB junior, U23, and senior national teams.
Tom began his rowing career at Penn AC at the age of 14. He attended St. Joe's Prep, when the program called Penn AC home, and continued his rowing career at Rutgers University.
“Tom brings an abundance of knowledge to Penn AC that will elevate the club and will propel the high-performance squad through the next quadrennium. His proven ability to develop athletes for international success will solidify Penn AC as one of the top performing programs in the country. We look forward to the growth of the program, and the club, under Tom’s direction,” says club president, Chris Reich.
“I am honored to join Penn AC as the High Performance Head Coach & Director of Programs. Penn AC has played a pivotal role in shaping my life since I began my rowing journey here as a teenager. To now have the opportunity to give back to the club that has given me so much is both humbling and inspiring.
“As a coach, my greatest privilege is helping athletes unlock their potential–whether by winning medals on the world stage or achieving success in their personal and professional lives. Penn AC’s storied legacy of excellence in domestic and international rowing is unmatched, and I am committed to building on that tradition.
“I look forward to working with the athletes and the members to make Penn AC a premier high performance center, shaping the next chapter of its remarkable history.”
Tom is an accomplished rowing coach with more than two decades of experience guiding junior and senior athletes in Switzerland and the UK. His teams achieved success at Henley Women’s Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta, the British and Swiss national championships, and the UK National Schools Regatta. Throughout his career, Tom developed athletes who competed at the highest levels – junior and U23 world championships. He emphasizes technical excellence, teamwork, and fostering a competitive mindset.
Tom coached at the Henley Rowing Club, Trentham Rowing Club, and Moorestown Rowing Club which delivered consistent victories and long-term success.
Born in Zimbabwe, Tom emigrated to the US where he rowed at St. Joseph’s Prep and Rutgers University. He began sculling at Penn AC at 14 years of age, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion for rowing.
Beyond the sport, Tom held leadership roles in the Waterford Wedgwood Group, in Asia-Pacific. He enjoys free diving, climbing, and cycling in his spare time.
Penn AC is thrilled to welcome Tom back to the club and look forward to him adding to the legacy of high-performance rowing at Penn AC.
Please join us in welcoming Tom to his new role!
Chris Reich
President, Penn Athletic Club Rowing Association