IOWA CITY, Iowa – Alex Natale has been named an assistant coach with the University of Iowa women’s rowing program, it was announced Friday by head coach Jeff Garbutt.

“I am excited about the addition of Alex to the staff,” said Garbutt. “She brings a wealth of knowledge from her time rowing in Philadelphia and Great Britian. I am looking forward to watching her help out first year athletes grow and develop into rowers this fall.”

Natale joins the Hawkeyes from Gwynedd Mercy Academy, where her crew claimed the Varsity 4+ title at SRAA Nationals and competed in the Groton School Challenge for Junior 4+ at Henley Women’s Regatta. She has previous coaching experience at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (2023-2024), also serving as an assistant coach.

“I am honored to join the University of Iowa and the Hawkeye rowing program,” said Natale. “This program is built on resilience, competitive spirit, and the growth of student-athletes both on and off the water— qualities that closely align with my coaching philosophy. To be a Hawkeye means carrying forward a legacy of pride and hard work while embracing progress and striving for future success.”

As an athlete, Natale won the Kerr Cup Regatta and Kelly Cup Regatta in the varsity eight in 2022, was invited to the US Rowing National Team U23 Selection camp and won the Dad Vail Regatta in 2021, and won the first varsity eight gold medal at the CAA Championships for the Dragons.

The Philadelphia native earned her bachelor’s degree from Drexel University in Civil Engineering in 2022 and her master’s from Oxford Brooks University in applied sport and exercise nutrition in 2024.