SMU Athletics

Tom Dougherty joined the SMU staff in the summer of 2023 after a stint as the Head Masters Coach and Assistant Junior Coach at the Nashville Rowing Club since March of 2022. 

At Nashville Rowing, he oversaw many aspects of the program including designing training, deciding which regattas to travel, heading the adult competitive, development and learn-to-row programs, and assisting with all aspects of the junior program. 

Dougherty’s previous rowing work included serving as the Head Coach of the Rowing program at Oklahoma City University. Dougherty led the men’s and women’s program during his time in Oklahoma City. The Stars excelled during his stint and were represented by student-athletes at the Under 23 World Championship. He coached the team to a gold medal at the Dad Vail Regatta in 2018. 

Prior to Oklahoma City, Dougherty was head women’s coach of the New York Athletic Club where he was responsible for a array of aspects of the program from recruitment to travel to developing training plans. He coached three Olympic and National team members while heading the program including two members of the USA Women’s 8+ in 2020 Olympics. He also coached a member of the 2017 and 2018 USA Under 23 Lightweight Men’s 4x and 1x. 

Dougherty was the Assistant Coach at Iona’s men’s and women’s program before New York. His primary duties came with the women’s program. He handled recruitment and administrative tasks such as compliance, medical clearance, and roster management. 

Doughtery made stops as Master’s Rowing Coach at Pelham Community Rowing Association, Junior Rowing Coach at West Side Rowing Club and Assistant Rowing Coach at Jacksonville University. At Jacksonville, the program took home a conference championship during his time there and won a Dad Vail Gold medal. 

Dougherty got his B.A. from Marietta College in Ohio, majoring in broadcasting and minoring in journalism. He was coxswain for three years at Marietta and captained the team.