We are delighted to announce we have nominated Jackie Eastwood for British Rowing Awards – 2025 for The Community Coach of The Year for her coaching she provides to Chiswick School, Grove Community Rowing & Quintin Boat Club.
Please read the full text of the nomination below :-
It’s hard to encapsulate the essence of Jackie in words alone; she means more to our club than language can express. Jackie is a community coach in the truest sense. She has coached thousands, not through advertising or self-promotion, but through word of mouth and the quiet power of her presence. People seek her out because they know she brings something extraordinary.
Jackie coaches across the full spectrum of age and ability, from the young to the young at heart, from the most vulnerable to high-performance athletes. She meets each person where they are, offering time, dignity and unwavering belief. She never gives up on a rower; she simply finds new words, new methods new ways to connect. Her coaching is hands-on and deeply personal, often seen perched on the end of her launch, gripping a single between her knees to emphasise a drill, much to the alarm of her launch driver and the single sculler alike.
She is a rare gem: ego-free, quietly brilliant and deeply respected by those who truly know her. Jackie doesn’t seek the spotlight, yet her impact radiates through every corner of our club. Her knowledge is immense, her humility even greater. Though she was one of the finest in her day, you’ll rarely hear her speak of it.
Her junior program is a true reflection of her values, community over competition. She partners with the Chiswick Rowing Trust and Chiswick Community School to deliver a co-curricular program focused on inclusion, teamwork and self-esteem. Her goal is simple: to get as many children on the water as possible. And when her WJ14 crew won at Barnes and Mortlake Regatta in 2024, the pride was palpable. For kids training just twice a week, it was a monumental achievement.
Jackie will tell you that being on the water is her happy place. What she may not realise is how many lives she’s transformed by sharing that joy. She coaches everyone from Masters to beginners in her Learn to Row courses and secondary school children from Chiswick School and a Saturday club called Grove Community Rowing. From 7:30 AM to 6 PM, she’s on the water and yet still finds time to support her Master’s women on the erg, just for fun. Despite her modesty, she lights up when helping men, women and children become the best versions of themselves. Our success is her success.
Jackie travels from outside London to continue supporting our community and that dedication gives her a special place in our hearts. She is universally loved by all who meet her and for good reason. She is the soul of our club and we are endlessly grateful.
Words by Abi Klapp
