ORLANDO – UCF and head rowing coach Mara Allen have agreed to a two-year contract extension that will keep her in Orlando through the 2030 season, as announced today by UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir.
Allen Inks Two-Year Contract Extension
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“I am very excited for the future of UCF Rowing and UCF Athletics. I’m very thankful to Terry for this opportunity. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I truly believe in what is possible here.”
Mara Allen“Mara has elevated UCF Rowing to a new level. Winning our first outright Big 12 Championship and setting program records at the NCAA Championships speaks to the culture, competitiveness, and commitment she has instilled in our student-athletes. She is building a championship-caliber program that represents UCF in the highest regard, and we are thrilled to have her leading us well into the future.”
Terry MohajirDuring the 2025 season, the Knights recorded 33 first-place finishes across 41 races, demonstrating consistency and depth across all boats. The team also made its debut as a whole on the Pocock CRCA Poll, entering at No. 25 in week one and climbing to a season-high No. 14 following the conference championship.
Allen guided the Knights to their seventh NCAA Championship appearance, where the team earned its highest cumulative finish in program history, placing 15th overall. Each boat contributed record-breaking performances at the race: the First 4+ finished 13th — the highest placement ever for a UCF boat at the NCAA Championship — while the Second 8+ placed 14th and the First 8+ earned 15th, both program marking bests for their respective boats.
In addition to the team’s accomplishments, Allen has fostered individual excellence within the program. Rising senior Hannah Lovejoy earned Big 12 Rower of the Year honors, while rising sophomore Lucy Buckingham was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. Over the past two seasons, seven UCF rowers have been named to the All-Big 12 team under Allen’s leadership.
About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.