Claire Benning
Coach Claire Benning joined UVM in fall 2024 to pursue her PhD in Plant and Soil Science while working with UVM Extension’s Northwest Crops and Soils team. She returned to rowing in 2025 as a UVM coach for the novice squad, bringing both academic and athletic experience to the program.
Originally from Connecticut, Claire earned her Master’s in Agroecology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she also coached the varsity women’s rowing team. Prior to that, she taught freshman science and led the rowing program at The Forman School, while also coaching with Litchfield Rowing Club.
Claire rowed at Brown University from 2015–2019, competing at NCAA Championships all four years and helping her team consistently place in the top 10 nationally. She won an Ivy League title in 2017 and earned CRCA Scholar-Athlete honors her senior year.
Outside of rowing, Claire enjoys skiing, running, hiking, playing pickup basketball, and exploring local coffee shops with friends and her dog, Jay.