Pittsburgh, Pa. – Duquesne University head rowing coach Matt Carlsen announced Thursday that Stephen Eckstein has been promoted to associate head coach. Eckstein is entering his seventh season on the coaching staff for the Dukes in 2025-26.

"Stephen has been instrumental in pushing our program forward over his six years at Duquesne," Carlsen said. "His work ethic, recruiting talents and coaching ability all go above and beyond the call of duty. I'm confident that together we will continue to elevate Duquesne women's rowing."

During his six years on the Bluff, Eckstein has brought stability to the program in serving as recruiting coordinator, while the Dukes have earned multiple victories across multiple boats, including the United States Steel Cup at the Head of the Ohio in 2023.

"I'm really excited to accept this new role with Duquesne women's rowing," Eckstein said. Over the past six years it's been fantastic to see the program grow, develop and evolve as we've brought in new teammates and new coaches. I'm enthusiastically excited for the future of the team, and I'm happy that I get to help it in an even greater capacity. I'm also grateful to our administration and our head coach, Matt Carlsen, for giving me the opportunity, and look forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the future."

Eckstein brought over 10 years of coaching experience to Duquesne when he joined the coaching staff in 2019. He spent three seasons in University Park, Pa., first as an assistant coach for the Penn State Crew Club before serving as head coach for two years. He also served as both an assistant and head coach at Butler in Indianapolis, Ind., mentoring both the men's and women's programs from 2013 to 16. In addition to his role with the Bulldogs, Eckstein coached at the Indianapolis Rowing Center each summer from 2008 to 2013.

Eckstein is a 2010 graduate of Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in applied meteorology and climatology. He was a member of the rowing team while with the Boilermakers and began his coaching career at Purdue by serving as an assistant coach of the novice program during the 2009-10 season.

Duquesne will open its 2025-26 campaign by competing at the Head of the Ohio, which is set for Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5, on the Allegheny River.  

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