Iowa City Today

Alex Natale has been appointed as an assistant coach for the University of Iowa women’s rowing program, according to an announcement from head coach Jeff Garbutt on Friday.

“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 previously coached at Gwynedd Mercy Academy, where her crew won the Varsity 4+ title at SRAA Nationals and participated in the Groton School Challenge for Junior 4+ at Henley Women’s Regatta. She also served as an assistant coach at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy during the 2023-2024 season.

“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 a competitor, Natale achieved several honors including victories at the Kerr Cup Regatta and Kelly Cup Regatta in varsity eight events in 2022. She was invited to participate in the US Rowing National Team U23 Selection camp, won gold at Dad Vail Regatta in 2021, and secured a first varsity eight gold medal at CAA Championships while competing for Drexel University.

Natale is originally from Philadelphia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Drexel University in 2022, followed by a master’s degree in applied sport and exercise nutrition from Oxford Brooks University in 2024.