Bio

Coach Laura Behr has dedicated her life to rowing, athletics, and education. She earned a BA in Kinesiology with a minor in Physical Therapy from Purdue University, where she rowed for four years, before continuing her development at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista in the early 2000s. She later earned her master’s degree in Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Physiology from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, further deepening her expertise in health, performance, and athlete development.

Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Coach Behr moved to Orange County, California in 2005, where she has served ever since as Head Women’s Rowing Coach and Professor of Kinesiology at Orange Coast College, building a program that has now thrived for over 21 years.

Coach Behr started her career coaching Masters women at ZLAC and SDRC in San Diego, from 2002–2005, she also served as the Novice Coach at UC San Diego, guiding new athletes into the sport while balancing careers as a Cardiac Nurse (2002–2004) and a Personal Trainer (2002–2010).

Under her leadership, OCC has flourished as the only junior college rowing program in the nation, competing successfully against NCAA Division I, II, III, and club teams. Her teams have consistently achieved top finishes at the American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA) Nationals in Oak Ridge, TN, always placing 1st–4th, including a National Championship in 2023 and top finishes in 2024 and 2025, such as 3rd place in the Varsity 4 and 4th place in the Novice 4 out of approximately 30 4yr Universities from around the US. She has also been recognized as Coach of the Year in 2010, 2013, and 2023.

Coach Behr fosters a family environment for women to grow, emphasizing positive relationships, pride in their work, and personal development. Her philosophy centers on discipline, determination, teamwork, and ownership of choices, helping athletes thrive on and off the water. She is also deeply committed to mentoring her athletes, creating pathways for women to transfer to four-year universities to pursue degrees or continue rowing at the next level. Married with two children, ages 6 and 7, Coach Behr is known for inspiring resilience, collaboration, and leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and her student-athletes.