Former UC rowing coach champions mentorship over medals philosophy

Interdisciplinary studies as a Bearcat molded Figg’s innovative coaching style

By Stephen Kenney Email Stephen

7 minute read July 12, 2024

Brent Figg began his journey at the University of Cincinnati in 1997 as a German studies major and developed over time into a rowing and elite performance coach plus a transdisciplinary mentor.

In other words, the trajectory of Figg’s life has veered in ways he could’ve never envisioned as a first-year Bearcat. He has since coached across four continents and made an impact on NASA, the United States Army, professional poker and the Olympic podium.

Figg wouldn’t have it any other way.

“[UC provided] a wild ecosphere of influence and mentorship, taking concepts and applying them to my day-to-day life,” he said.

Figg finds “great humor” and “subversion” in the fact that his liberal arts degree, a field seemingly unrelated to sports, led him to a career in athletics and human performance through mentorship.

That’s the essence of interdisciplinary thought: the idea that skills are transferable across various facets of life. Figg is a staunch advocate of this concept, and it’s clear why: his own life exemplifies its truth.

From goal lines to waterlines

“Subversion” may seem like a strange word to describe the narrative of one’s life; however, for Figg it’s quite appropriate. How else would you describe a life so thoroughly flipped upside down that it leads you to live in another country teaching a sport you’d never played until college?

For Figg, that’s exactly why mentorship matters so much. In his view, life doesn’t follow a straight path; rather, it winds in unexpected directions, making mentorship essential to navigate and stay on course.

“When I first came to UC, I played on the men’s soccer team,” Figg said. “Then, I was cut.”

Brent Figg's rowing team practicing on the water. Photo/Brent Figg

This moment stood as a game-changer for Figg. Out of adversity came a window of opportunity. He transitioned to UC’s rowing team, where he thrived and fell in love with the sport. Figg became so passionate about rowing, in fact, that he was appointed head coach of UC’s rowing program just five years after his graduation.

Rowing has opened an astonishing number of doors for Figg. He’s coached all over the world, from far-flung destinations such as Germany and China to nearby locales like Dayton, Ohio. Figg’s career skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, including coaching for USRowing, the country’s national team, and mentoring rowers for Canada’s Olympic program.

Rowing became a platform for Figg to share systems of thought, explore the world and ultimately give back. An inherent curiosity provided Figg an opportunity to gain lucrative skills while developing athletes in a sport he’d never played until college.

Sports coach, life coach

Amid all his career milestones, Figg is most proud of the coaching and mentorship skills he gained along the way. Many of those came from his various experiences as a Bearcat, and he still sees strong mentorship and discovery happening today at places like UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub.

The University of Cincinnati really develops people.

Brent Figg Former UC rowing coach

“The University of Cincinnati really develops people,” Figg said. “I’m grateful to have people within this community, this institution, who put forth care and effort. It’s a really special part of the [Bearcat] experience.”

Figg is especially thankful for the mentorship he received at UC from professors Todd Herzog and Evan Torner of German studies along with John Brolley from interdisciplinary studies. Their guidance played a significant role in shaping Figg’s life, and he aspires to pass along that wisdom and support to the young adults he mentors today.

“I’m really motivated to understand someone’s ‘why’,” Figg said, to help them translate passion into tangible goals. “I think there’s a real contentment that can come from that … kind of a smile from the inside.”

The philosophy of good mentorship

Figg believes that mentorship and coaching principles reach into all aspects of life, and at UC that same thought is put into action. Whether through student co-ops or startup coaching at the 1819 Innovation Hub’s Venture Lab, Figg is glad to see his alma mater emphasizing the value of human-centered and empathetic mentorship.

“At UC, we believe that both hard and soft skills are essential to successfully navigate today’s dynamic business climate,” said Nicola Ziady, the university’s chief marketing officer. “For that reason, we’ve created success coaches to move students toward the innovative ‘Bearcat Promise’ where students graduate with a degree in one hand and a career plan in the other. Our students, regardless of age, are Bearcats for life.”

Members of Canada's rowing team. Photo/Brent Figg

It’s tough to distill the essence of mentorship into a few key points, but Figg places particular value on three: humane curiosity, a passion for creation and an emphasis on humanity and sharing. So, he views coaching as an empathetic endeavor, guiding individuals to channel their motivations into positive and fulfilling results.

“With the help and support of the mentors I’ve had and seeing the gifts of their passions,” Figg said, “it drives me to want to help others express and communicate their passions.”

In his view, Figg’s crowning achievement is watching his rowing students reach levels of success they’d never dreamed of, both athletically and personally.

“Seeing people who I worked with on a daily basis 10 years ago getting very close to the Olympic Games … this is the concrete embodiment of what I’m talking about,” he said.

A different kind of coach

Coaching has tremendous value, and Figg knows this better than most. However, it’s pushing others to reach their full potential as human beings that brings him the most joy. That’s ultimately what drives Figg every day, and he credits much of it to his experience in Cincinnati.

“When I think about my own pathway and those that invested time, energy, exploration and patience without questioning me,” Figg said, “I think about how humbling that is and what a liberating concept and expression it is.

“So, to be able to share that a bit further and do my part as a neighbor and citizen … that’s my profound motivation.”

Featured image at top: Rowers practicing on a lake. Photo/Brent Figg

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