Coach Zdankiewicz Steps Away After 15 Years
Saint Joseph Academy’s Crew Head Coach, Coach Robert Zdankiewicz (Coach Z), is stepping down from his head coaching position after 15 years to spend more time with his growing family.
Since January 2011, Coach Z has founded and led Saint Joseph Academy Crew through 31 fall and spring seasons.
What started as a small club team 15 years ago with just 22 athletes quickly grew under his leadership, earning varsity status in just two short years and developing into a very competitive program. Over the years, Coach Z helped build a team that reached as many as 61 rostered student-athletes in the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 seasons, while firmly establishing itself as one of the strongest scholastic programs in the country, and also creating a strong sense of community along the way.
His impact on the water has been remarkable. Coach Z guided SJA to back-to-back Women’s Sweep Team Midwest Championships in 2023 and 2024, along with six top-three finishes at the SRAA National Championships. In total, he coached 16 gold medal-winning crews and led the program to six additional runner-up and third-place finishes at the Midwest Championships.
The impact he has had on his athletes is even more significant. Since 2013, 29 student-athletes have continued their rowing careers at the collegiate level, earning scholarships along the way. This achievement is largely due to his leadership, mentorship, and belief in their potential.
Coach Z leaves behind more than a successful program; he leaves a lasting legacy of commitment, growth, and pride within SJA Crew.
Thank you, Coach Z, for 15 incredible years of dedication to Saint Joseph Academy! We are truly grateful for all you have given to this program, and we wish you nothing but the best as you step away to spend more time with your growing family. Coach Z will remain at the Academy in his academic/teaching role as the Engineering & Design Honors Program Coordinator.
