Help me make a difference in our community while becoming a better rower!
Why you should support me

Rowing is the first sport that I have competed in. I started rowing at the age of 26 during the first
year of my PhD. I remember it well – it was right after the COVID lockdown, and I was searching
for a way to improve my fitness and health and for an activity to force me away from my desk. I was a grossly overweight graduate student who probably went weeks without seeing an ounce of sunlight. Today, I am in the best shape I have ever been in, and I have enjoyed some of the
most fantastic sunrises and sunsets that I have ever seen in my life. Rowing gave me a purpose outside of work – something I could look forward to every day. The camaraderie I enjoy with my fellow crewmates not only inspires my work in the office but inspires me to improve myself every day on and off the water. I would never have dreamed of competing at the age of 30 nor would I have ever thought that I would be a coach to high schoolers, but here I am now doing both and medaling! Life sure has a funny way of twisting and turning in unexpected journeys. Speaking of unexpected journeys, I am sad to be leaving the KSU Crew and my coaching position with MJC
after I graduate; but, I am excited to be moving to a place in Australia where I can continue to hone my craft and compete! Rowing changed my life, and it is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life! Help me help our team and our local community!
How to Participate
To make a donation via Paypal, debit, or credit card, click the button below, and follow these instructions:
- on the first page, enter the amount you’d like to give
- underneath your donation amount, please select “KSU” from the drop down menu labeled “use this donation for…”
- on the second page, click “+ write a note (optional)” and type “Will Shaffer” in the text box so I’ll get your support!
- in addition to my name, enter the number of meters you think the whole team will row during our “hour of power” on October 19–the person who guesses the closest gets a prize!