Women's Rowing | May 27, 2026

PHILADELPHIA – Bill Manning, who has served as the head women's rowing coach at Penn for the past two seasons, is resigning his position to prioritize his health.

"Earlier this year I was diagnosed with skin cancer," Manning said. "Treatments are going well and I'm getting world-class care at Penn Medicine. I'm not in any immediate danger, but I do need to take better care of myself and prioritize my health.  Stepping away from coaching at this time is necessary for a full recovery."  

"Our foremost priority is always the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff," Alanna Wren, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W'69 Director of Athletics and Recreation said. "We fully support Bill's decision to step away at this time to focus on his health and recovery, and our thoughts are with him as he continues his treatment. We are grateful for the leadership that he has shown over the past two seasons, guiding our women's rowing program and maintaining a standard of excellence both on and off the water."

Manning led Penn to its fourth straight NCAA appearance in 2025 following a regular season where the Varsity Eight won 17 races and the Second Varsity Eight won 15. In 2026, Penn was nationally-ranked once again and competed well at national regattas at Tennessee and UCF. Four student-athletes earned All-Ivy honors in Manning's two seasons at the helm.

A national search has been launched to find the next leader of the Penn women's rowing program.