MEDFORD, MA (September 1, 2026) – Trevor Appier, who has helped build the Northeastern University men's rowing program into a consistent national contender over the past six seasons, has been named the new head coach of the Tufts University men's rowing program, as announced by Tufts Director of Athletics
Ryan Pisarri and Director of Rowing Lily Siddall.
Appier comes to Tufts after serving as the associate head coach at Northeastern University since 2022. During his tenure, the Huskies' V8+ has placed among the top nine nationally each year, including a bronze-medal finish at the 2026 Eastern Sprints and an IRA Grand Final appearance in 2023.
"We are excited to welcome Trevor to Tufts, said Pisarri. "Trevor has a comprehensive understanding of every facet of rowing and a proven track record of helping develop both competitive teams and exceptional student-athletes. His vision, character, and commitment to excellence make him the right leader for the future of our men's rowing program."
"We are excited to welcome Trevor to Tufts Rowing," said Siddall. "As a decorated athlete and coach at Northeastern, Trevor has elevated the program there, and I know he will bring that same energy, expertise, and commitment to Tufts. He is enthusiastic about developing the whole person, and I am thrilled to welcome him to Division III rowing and the NESCAC. I look forward to working together to build an outstanding program and bring even more enthusiasm and love for the sport to Tufts Rowing."
"The Tufts head coaching position interested me because of the University's strong academic and athletic reputations" said Appier. "Working with well-rounded and driven students sets the framework to succeed. I believe that, with the current supportive and high-level environment Tufts has created, I can bring new perspectives to build upon the ongoing success within the department."
In addition to his work on the water at Northeastern, Appier has played a significant role in the academic and overall development of the program's student-athletes. He partnered with academic support staff to raise the team's grade-point average from 3.10 to a program-record 3.61. He also helped restructure Northeastern's recruiting model and operations, recruiting more than 300 domestic and international prospects annually and helping place multiple freshmen, including walk-ons, into the V8+ and 2V8+ crews.
Appier has also been heavily involved with alumni engagement and fundraising at Northeastern. He has led young alumni fundraising campaigns that ranked first in both dollars and donors on Giving Day for five consecutive years, while also leading the program in those categories during three consecutive Young Alumni Weekends.
Prior to becoming associate head coach, Appier served as an assistant coach at Northeastern from 2020-22. During the 2021 season, the Huskies posted a 14-2 regular-season record and earned a program-best fourth-place team finish at the IRA National Championships. Northeastern also advanced three eights to the IRA Grand Finals, including consecutive varsity eight Grand Final appearances for the first time in program history.
Appier has also served as the head coach of the U23 men's program at Riverside Boat Club since 2025. He co-founded Riverside's Men's U23 Camp, directing recruitment, training, competitive strategy and logistics while establishing a new high-performance pathway. The program has consistently achieved podium finishes and Grand Final appearances at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and Cromwell Cup.
Before his time at Northeastern and Riverside, Appier spent two seasons coaching at Boston College, including serving as associate head coach in 2019-20. Appier's coaching career began with Community Rowing Incorporated, where he served as an assistant coach with the Competitive Boys program.
A former Northeastern student-athlete, Appier rowed for the Huskies from 2013-17 and served as team captain as a senior. He was a consistent member of the varsity eight, helping Northeastern earn top-seven finishes at the IRA National Championships from 2015-17. He was also an Eastern Sprints silver medalist in the 2015 varsity eight, the program's highest finish at the event since 1995 at the time, and helped the Huskies win the 2014 Eastern Sprints junior varsity eight title.
Appier also brings extensive high-performance rowing experience to Tufts. From 2016-20, he trained and competed alongside U.S. and international senior and Olympic-level athletes. He competed at Senior World Championship Trials, National Speed Orders and two Henley Royal Regattas, while earning notable victories at the Holland Beker and Canadian Henley. He was also invited to the USA U23 National Team Selection Camp in 2016.
Appier earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from Northeastern University in 2018, along with a minor in Business Administration. He was awarded the Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association (IRCA) Leadership Award in 2023, an honor presented to a coach or administrator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and served as a role model for men's collegiate rowing.
"My primary goals are to strengthen the culture, improve each week, and see out our potential as a team" said Appier. "Sticking to these goals will give us trust in our process and confidence that we have done everything we can to build through the year and earn wins in racing."
"The culture will be centered around mutual respect, communication, and hard work,"said Appier. "We will focus on setting new standards and being honest about reaching them. A strong team is an honest team willing to challenge each other to be better."
Appier started his tenure at Tufts on August 31.
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