CAMBRDIGE, Mass. – Dr. G. Anthony Grant, Director of Athletics and DAPER Department Head at MIT, has announced a pair of promotions across the MIT Crew Program. Will Oliver-Milchman, the Gerrit Zwart '62 Men's Varsity Lightweight Crew Coach, has been named as the H.W. McCurdy '22 Director of MIT Rowing. In addition, Evan Thews-Wassell has been promoted to head coach of the MIT heavyweight program. Both promotions will be effective as of August 3, 2026.

"The success of the crew programs over the last two decades has been linked firmly to the strength of the 'One Boathouse' culture, established during Tony Kilbridge's tenure and through the talent, commitment and dedication of our coaches, staff, and student-athletes, and alumni," said Dr. Grant. "I am confident that in their new roles, Will and Evan will continue to build upon the strong foundation and rich tradition of MIT Crew, as well as continue to elevate the success of the programs moving into future."

Oliver- Milchman succeeds Kilbridge as the H.W. McCurdy '22 Director of MIT Rowing after Kilbridge announced his retirement following 20 years at MIT.

"It is an honor to lead MIT Crew—a program with a terrific history and athletes and coaches who deliver excellence every day," said Oliver- Milchman. "I'm deeply grateful to Dr. Grant for this opportunity and to Tony, whose transformational leadership over two decades has set a remarkable standard."

Oliver-Milchman, the 2024-25 IRCA National Lightweight Coach of the Year, originally joined MIT in August 2010 following a one-year stint as an assistant coach with Georgetown University's men's heavyweight team. The lightweight men's program has seen a steady rise under Oliver-Milchman's leadership, with lightweight eight earning a program-best bronze medal finish at the 2025 IRA National Championship. It was MIT's first appearance in a men's lightweight varsity eight grand final since 1993, but the Engineers followed up the performance with a return trip to the IRA National Championship grand final this past season.

"I'm excited to advance our program's competitive ambitions while deepening our commitment to developing young leaders both on and off the water," added Oliver-Milchman. "My focus will be on fostering excellence across all our boats, supporting our coaching staff, and ensuring MIT Crew continues to thrive as both an emerging powerhouse and a transformative experience for our athletes."

Thews-Wassell has spent the past 20 years alongside Kilbridge as the men's heavyweight assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, where the program has raced at the IRA Championships in every year since 2012-13.

"I'm truly honored and excited to step into the role of head coach for MIT heavyweight men's rowing," said Thews-Wassell. "I would also like to extend a special thank you to Tony... years ago, he gave me an opportunity as a young coach and opened the door to collegiate coaching. His mentorship and leadership have had a profound impact on the coach I've become, and I wouldn't be here without him."

MIT's heavyweight men also saw a steady rise with Thews-Wassell on staff, as MIT raced varsity fours at IRA until 2022, when MIT received a team invitation to the national championship for the first time since 2009. MIT has finished in the top 25 in varsity eights in each of the past four years.

"I'm grateful to Dr. Grant and the administration for the opportunity to lead this outstanding program and want to thank the coaches, mentors, colleagues, and alumni who have shaped my career and instilled the values that make our sport so special," continued Thews-Wassell. "I'm excited to work with our student-athletes and staff to honor this team's traditions while continuing to pursue excellence on and off the water. I'm looking forward to this next chapter and to partnering with everyone who cares so deeply about this team."

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