Veronika Platzer, head coach of the UMass Lowell rowing program the last four years, will step down at the end of the spring 2013 season to accept a coaching position at Community Rowing, Inc., in Brighton, announced Director of Athletics Dana Skinner.

Platzer, who also served as the director of the Bellegarde Boathouse, will begin her position at CRI in June. CRI is the largest public club in the country and the first public rowing club in Boston.

“Veronika's passion for the sport of rowing has been evident every day she's been on the job,” said Skinner. “She's been an energetic and positive advocate for the University during her time here and I wish her every success in her new position.”

At Community Rowing, Inc., Platzer will have a hand in coaching, development and fostering of CRI's 45 different rowing programs.

“We're the largest rowing club in the country and we're so excited to have someone with the credentials as Veronika, who has dedicated her life to rowing,” said Bruce Smith, the executive Director of CRI. “Veronika's experience and passion for rowing and our mission line up perfectly.”

Platzer, who is currently enrolled in CRI's Institute of Rowing Leadership graduate program, will remain at UMass Lowell until June 10.  She graduates from CRI on June 22.

“With every program I've coached, I have had a tremendous connection with my kids, and this year's team is a really special group,” Platzer said. “These kids have helped me build this program. My hope is that they will always call me 'Coach.'”

In another move, to more closely match the athletic offerings at the institutions in the University's new Division I athletic conference – America East – the rowing program will be reclassified moving forward from varsity status to varsity club.

“We believe this new designation will enable us to generate higher participant rates for both men and women and sustain the strong relationships we've established with our partners at the Bellegarde Boathouse,” continued Skinner. “Our goal is to continue to provide a vibrant rowing atmosphere at one of the finest facilities in the region.”

The current UMass Lowell varsity eight enters the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta/NCAA Division II Qualifier Friday and Saturday on the Schuykill River in Philadelphia, Pa. Last Saturday, the women's varsity four captured the bronze medal at the New England Championship, its first medal at a major regatta since moving to NCAA status.

Last year, the women's varsity eight reached the Grand Final of the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta in only its second year as an NCAA program.

“I can unequivocally say that this program is much better compared to when I arrived here,” Platzer noted. “Being able to represent UMass Lowell in the larger community was a tremendous honor.”

Platzer is a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., and a graduate of Grinnell College. She lives in Lowell, Mass.