Julia White-Hoppe is in her first year as novice women's crew coach for UC San Diego in 2009-10. In addition to coaching the novice squad, White-Hoppe assists with the varsity, handle recruiting duties, and oversee regatta preparation and management.White-Hoppe comes to UCSD after serving as volunteer coach with the Oregon State women's rowing team during the 2008-09 season. Prior to that, White-Hoppe coached The Hun School of Princeton varsity girl's rowing team in 2008 and the novice boy's rowing squad from 2005 to 2007.
A four-year varsity athlete at Oregon State, White-Hoppe was a two-time first team NCAA All-American and served as team captain during her junior and senior seasons. After training with the U.S. National Rowing Team from 2002-04, White-Hoppe became a full-time elite rower with the National squad following her collegiate career.
A native of Medford, Ore., White-Hoppe graduated from OSU in 2004 with a degree in Art History. She also earned Oregon State's Benny Award in 2004 for her athletic achievements and served as a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee from 2001 to 2004.
Jack Vallerga has been with the UCSD rowing program for 35 seasons, including being the head coach from 1974-1999. Vallerga began his tenure as a member of the Triton coaching staff in 1974, and he coached both the men's and women's teams. By the 1980 season, the men's and women's teams had grown to the point that it was decided to create separate coaching positions for the teams. At that point, Vallerga decided to continue as the women's coach.