ITHACA, N.Y. -- Paula Thoms has been elevated to Associate Head Coach of the Cornell University women's rowing team. She has spent half a decade supporting the Big Red program in their pursuit to rise the ranks of the Ivy League.

"Paula provides the student-athletes and program important continuity. She is a marvelous Cornell ambassador on and off the water," said Anita Brenner, Cornell Deputy Director of Athletics. "She will partner with the next head and assistant coaches to help lead the Big Red program to greater heights."
 
Thoms has been a steadying presence on the Big Red staff over her five seasons on East Hill. She has been instrumental in developing four All-Ivy honorees, one CRCA All-American, three CRCA Region 1 selections, 16 CRCA Scholar Athletes and two Academic All-Ivy picks.
 
Thoms spent six seasons as an assistant coach at Boston University. In Thoms' final season with the Terriers, the team placed all three boats into the Grand Finals of the Patriot League Championship and earned three medals, including gold in the varsity eight, en route to a conference championship. BU went on to its second consecutive NCAA Women's Rowing Championship and placed 20th overall.
 
In 2013, Thoms' helped coach the Terriers to their first-ever CAA Championship, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2001.
 
During her time with the Terriers, Thoms was responsible for training the varsity four boats for four seasons, before taking over the novice squad in 2013. Additionally, she supported and assisted in all aspects of the program, helping to plan regattas, as well as the team travel, team fundraising, and recruiting. Thoms also served as the liaison for the Parent Association and assisted in the development of alumni relations.
 
Prior to Boston University, Thoms coached at Brock University, Michigan State and the St. Catharines Rowing Club.
 
She spent three summers as head coach of the St. Catharine's Youth Rowing Camp and coached the club's junior `A' women in 2007, leading the crew to a top-10 finish at the Canadian Henley Regatta.
 
A four-year member of the varsity eight at Michigan State, Thoms was part of a crew that won the 2005 Big Ten championship and attained a team-record sixth-place finish at the NCAA Championship in 2006. She earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition her senior season and won the team's Spirit Award for best exemplifying the passion and integrity of the team.
 
Thoms also rowed and coached at the St. Catharine's Rowing Club where she was a three-time champion at the Royal Henley Regatta in 2000, 2002, and 2006 and a 2004 Head of the Charles Regatta champion. In 2002, the club recognized Thoms as its Female Oarswoman of the Year.