The California women’s rowing program has expanded its coaching staff with the addition of Kendall Brewer and Peter Mansfeld as assistant coaches, according to an announcement by head coach Al Acosta.
Brewer joins the team after working as an assistant coach at Dartmouth from 2023 to 2025. During her time there, she contributed to a record-setting season that saw Dartmouth finish 16th at the NCAA Championships. Before Dartmouth, Brewer was a varsity assistant coach for the Princeton National Rowing Association in 2019.
As an athlete, Brewer rowed at the University of Michigan where she earned three All-American honors—second team in 2016 and first team in both 2017 and 2018. She was named Big Ten Co-Athlete of the Year in 2018, served as team captain, and helped lead Michigan to a third-place finish at the 2016 NCAA Championships. Brewer also competed internationally for both the U.S. U23 and senior national teams, winning gold medals in both women’s eight and four events at the 2016 U23 World Championships, including setting a world record in the four.
Head coach Al Acosta said, “We’re extremely fortunate that Kendall chose to come to Cal as her next step to becoming a head coach. She’s a great coach, leader and role model. I know she’ll have a big impact on our team.”
Brewer expressed enthusiasm about joining California: “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to join Al and the rest of the staff. I’ve spent many years following and competing alongside Cal, and throughout those years I have developed a lot of respect for the program. I’m honored to have the chance to contribute to Al’s vision for the team and I could not be more excited to meet the athletes and get to work.”
Peter Mansfeld returns to California after coaching Germany’s senior women’s rowing team from 2024-25. He also led the Czech National Team during their campaign at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. His previous roles include coaching positions at Texas Rowing Center from 2021-23—where he coached former Bear Kara Kohler—and stints with Vesper Boat Club (2018-21) as well as California Rowing Club (2015-18).
Mansfeld began his rowing career with Dresdner Ruder Club in Germany in 1995 before joining VK Slavia Prague during a student exchange program. He represented University of Konstanz at World University Championships in men’s pair competition and won medals at national championships across Germany, Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
Acosta commented on Mansfeld’s hiring: “Obviously, Peter has a ton of experience at the highest level of our sport. More importantly, he has a holistic approach to sport, he works hard, and he always brings positive energy to the boathouse. We’re excited to welcome Peter to Cal and to get the 2026 season started.”
Mansfeld said about his new position: “I’m incredibly honored to join Cal and contribute to its storied legacy of excellence. I’m excited to work alongside such passionate student-athletes and committed colleagues as we strive to build the next chapter of success together.”
For ongoing updates on California women’s rowing activities or results, fans can follow along via Instagram (@calwrowing) or Facebook (Cal Crew).
