Junior Coaches

Julien Blythe

Varsity Girls Head Coach

Julien Blythe is the head girls’ coach at Mt. Baker Rowing and Sailing Center, bringing extensive experience and a passion for rowing. He previously served as an assistant coach at Long Island University during its inaugural rowing season in 2022-23. Before that, he was an assistant coach with the Port Rowing Association, where his boys’ U17 quad team achieved a 10th-place finish at the Youth Nationals. He also served as head program coach and regatta director at Sagamore Rowing.

Julien’s rowing background includes competitive experience with Sarasota Crew and the Philadelphia Sculling Club. He holds a Level 2 US Rowing coaching certification and attended Florida State University. At Mt. Baker, Julien is dedicated to fostering a supportive and challenging environment for young female athletes, aiming to develop their skills, confidence, and love for the sport. In addition to coaching, he manages the center’s equipment, ensuring all boats and gear are maintained to the highest standards for safety and performance.

Thomas Schlenker

Varsity Boys Head Coach

Thomas Schlenker is the head boys’ coach at Mt. Baker Rowing and Sailing Center. An alumnus of the University of Washington, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics with a minor in Mathematics in 2006.

Thomas has previously served as an assistant coach at Lehigh University and as Director of Rowing and Head Women’s Coach at Pacific Lutheran University, where he significantly expanded the program and improved its regional ranking. His coaching experience also includes roles at the Sammamish Rowing Association, the Green Lake Small Craft Center, and the University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center.

At Mt. Baker, Thomas is dedicated to developing young athletes’ skills and fostering a passion for rowing.

Gretchen Frederick

Varsity Girls Assistant Coach

Gretchen Frederick is the assistant varsity girls’ coach at Mt. Baker Rowing and Sailing Center. She has a rich background in rowing, having competed with the Sammamish Rowing Association, where she participated in multiple races at the Northwest Regionals.

At Mt. Baker, she is dedicated to developing young female athletes’ skills and fostering a passion for rowing.

Carsten Rossen

Varsity Boys Assistant Coach

Carsten is the Varsity Boys Assistant Coach. He first started rowing in eighth grade (2011), following in the footsteps of his older sister. One of Carsten’s early coaches was Luke Carney, a former MBC National Champion, and it was he who inspired what was to become the biggest goal of Carsten’s rowing career: to win a National Championship of his own. To do this, Carsten developed a strong work ethic, which he used to earn, by the end of his senior year: three Nationals trips. Two invitations to the Men’s US Junior National Team Selection Camp. And MBC record board placements for both the 2k and 6k erg tests. But still no championship.

Carsten had a backup plan. He had studied hard, graduating from Clevland High School with a 4.0 GPA, and was able to catch the eye of several collegiate rowing programs. To stay close to his ailing grandmother, Carsten decided on UW, and after nearly three years as a Washington Oarsman, he was selected to race the Varsity 4+ at the IRA National Championships. In a close race, Carsten and his crew narrowly edged out California in a come-from-behind victory, and his goal of a title, eight years in the making, was realized.

Carsten graduated with a degree in Mathematics, which he has used to become a helicopter pilot. He dreams of one day working in emergency services like his father, (a firefighter), by building up enough experience to become an EMA or aerial firefighter in pilot.

Annie Grieff

Novice Boys Head Coach

Annie Grieff is Mt. Baker Novice Boys Head Coach. She has competed in events such as the USRowing Northwest Masters Regional Championships and the Head of the Lake regatta. At Mt. Baker, Annie is dedicated to introducing young athletes to rowing, focusing on skill development, teamwork, and fostering a lifelong passion for the sport.

Caleb Williams

Novice Boys Assistant Coach

Caleb Williams serves as the assistant novice boys’ coach at Mt. Baker Rowing and Sailing Center. A Seattle native, Caleb began his rowing journey at Mt. Baker during his high school years, where he developed a deep passion for the sport. As a student-athlete, he participated in various regional regattas, honing his skills and understanding of competitive rowing. Now, as a coach, Caleb is dedicated to introducing young athletes to rowing, emphasizing foundational skills, teamwork, and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the sport.

Mt. Baker Rowing and Sailing Center