DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake Rowing head coach Dawson Shyne-Appignani has announced Julia Walker will join the program as an assistant coach.

Walker graduated from Sacred Heart University in December 2025 with a degree in Economics.

As a freshman, Walker raced in the Second Varsity Eight at the MAAC Championship earning a bronze medal for Sacred Heart. During her sophomore year, Julia stroked the Varsity Four to a silver medal at the MAAC Championship.

In her senior year, Walker became a member of Sacred Heart's inaugural Women's Lightweight Rowing Team. The 2025 Head of the Charles Regatta marked the first official race for the program, with Walker racing in stroke seat.

"I am excited to welcome Julia Walker to Des Moines and the Bulldog family," Shyne-Appignani said. "After seeing her impact racing for Sacred Heart University's lightweight and openweight teams, I expect her experience as a walk-on athlete and former multi-sport coach to make a similar difference leading Drake's novice program."