Honors & Accomplishments
• Four-time Academic All-Big Ten.
• St. Catharine's Rowing Club Female Oarswoman of the Year (2002)
Coaching Experience
• Associate Head Coach, Cornell University (2019 - Present)
• Assistant Coach, Cornell University (2014 - 2019)
• Assistant Coach, Boston University (2008 - 2014)
• Assistant Coach, Brock University (2008)
• Volunteer Assistant Coach, Michigan State (2007)
Education
• B.A., Marketing, Michigan State (2007)
At Cornell
Paula Thoms joined the Big Red women's rowing staff as an assistant coach prior to the 2014-15 season.
In her five seasons with the Big Red, Thoms helped the varsity four C win the bronze medal at the 2016 Ivy League Women’s Rowing Championship, while the third varsity eight finished just outside of the medals at the 2017 event.
Thoms also helped to organize the Big Red’s first-ever trip to participate in the Henley Women's Regatta.
During her time, several Big Red rowers have found individual success with four All-Ivy honorees, one CRCA All-American, three CRCA Region 1 selections, 16 CRCA Scholar Athletes, and two Academic All-Ivy selections.
Prior To Cornell
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.
Rowing Career
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.
Personal
A native St. Catharines, Ont., Thoms is married to Vic Brown, the strength and conditioning head coach at Ithaca College, and they have two children, Dylan and Tyler.
Updated March 2020
