After a stellar career with the San Diego State rowing team, former Aztec rower Tashina Vavuris makes the transition to the coaching ranks this season as a women[apos]s crew assistant. Vavuris duties include assisting head coach Jennifer Zebroski with the varsity squad, along with recruiting, administrative duties, and equipment maintenance.
A native of Palo Alto, Calif., Vavuris was a three year letter winner at SDSU from 2004-2008. Vavuris was a scholar-athlete all four years and received numerous athletic awards at San Diego State University. She received the Stryker Award (2006), Most Dedicated (2007 and 2008), and the Hammer Award (2008) during her time on the team.
She was elected team captain her senior year and was also an active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Vavuris spent one year in a competitive Novice eight and three years in the varsity eight. Her career included medals in the following regattas, WIRA Championships, NARF, San Diego City Championship, and the Parker Cup.
Along with collegiate triumphs, Vavuris has also succeeded in open competition. Vavuris was accepted to the elite Vesper rowing program, where she trained with elite rowers from around the country. At the 2009 USRowing Nationals, she won a gold medal in the women[apos]s open eight and a bronze medal in the women[apos]s open four. She also rowed at the 2009 Royal Canadian Henley Regatta where she took fifth and sixth place.
A graduate of Palo Alto High school, Vavuris began her competitive career in 2001 with Palo Alto Rowing Club.
Vavuris is currently attending graduate school at San Diego State where she is pursuing a Master[apos]s degree in sociology.