Dartmouth Athletics Announces Sailing Leadership Transition

HANOVER, N.H. — Dartmouth's Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation, Mike Harrity announced today a leadership transition in its nationally recognized sailing program. Head Coach Justin Assad will be stepping away from his role after 15 seasons at the conclusion of the season for the Big Green. Dartmouth alumna and current assistant coach Rebecca McElvain '19 will be elevated to serve as the Interim Head Coach for the 2025–26 season.

During his tenure, Assad helped Dartmouth Sailing realize consistent levels of success. Under his guidance, the Big Green captured two Women's National Championships, produced multiple NEISA and ICSA National Sailor of the Year finalists, and saw Dartmouth sailors recognized as All-America selections or honorable mentions over 50 times. The program became a consistent presence at the top of the national rankings, with numerous top five finishes at national championship events.

Assad will leave an impact on the program's infrastructure and sustainability. He led the acquisition of 72 new sailboats and three new coach boats and was a driving force behind the design and completion of Dartmouth's new sailing facility on Mascoma Lake.

"Justin has been a transformative coach-educator for Dartmouth Sailing," Harrity said. "His competitive success speaks for itself, but just as impressive is the team culture he built — one rooted in grit, resilience, and striving for excellence. The lessons learned by students under Justin will empower them as leaders well beyond their time at Dartmouth."

"Fifteen years ago, I came to Dartmouth eager to build on our tradition of resilience and excellence. Helping carry that legacy forward has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Dartmouth Sailing's future is bright thanks to the commitment of our student-athletes, families, and alumni." said Assad. "Rebecca McElvain '19 is the right person to lead the team forward. She has the technical expertise and leadership skills to sustain our championship culture. I'm excited to watch where she takes the program."

A two-time All-American sailor for Dartmouth, McElvain returned to her alma mater in 2021. As an assistant coach, McElvain has been instrumental in continuing Dartmouth's competitive excellence and upholding the culture and tradition of the program.

As a student-athlete McElvain led the Big Green as captain her senior year and was named an All-American Crew in each of her last two seasons while receiving honorable mention as a freshman. She was also All-NEISA Crew First Team twice and Second Team in her first two years. Prior to Dartmouth, she was a seven-time national champion at the high school level in various types of boats and was named the 2015 San Diego Area Yacht Clubs Woman Sailor of the Year. She has also served as a sailing instructor at the San Diego Yacht Club off and on since 2014.

"Rebecca brings strong leadership qualities, elite competitive experience, and a deep personal connection to Dartmouth," said Harrity. "She's well-positioned to guide the program during this next chapter, and I'm confident our student-athletes will continue to build on the championship culture under her leadership."

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead Dartmouth Sailing through this transitional period," said McElvain. "I'd like to thank Mike Harrity for entrusting me to lead our program forward. Justin has been my coach, mentor and friend for nearly 11 years, and I owe much of my development as both a sailor and a coach to his guidance. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence and big shoes to fill. I'm excited to carry forward our shared vision for the program."

Schedules