Matt Smith, Drew Ginn, and Dr. Karen Givvin join the mission to transform team sports technology and strengthen coach-athlete relationships globally.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – February 10, 2029 — CrewLAB today announced the formation of its advisory board, bringing together three globally recognized sports leaders to guide the company’s international expansion and product development. The board includes Matt Smith (Former Executive Director of World Rowing), Drew Ginn (four-time Olympic Champion), and Dr. Karen Givvin (UCLA Adjunct Professor specializing in teaching and learning).
As CrewLAB expands its partnerships with national governing bodies and scales globally, the advisory board will provide strategic guidance on international expansion, platform development, and maintaining the company’s core focus on supporting coach-athlete relationships.
Matt Smith served as Executive Director of World Rowing (formerly FISA) for 26 years from 1995 to 2021, overseeing unprecedented global growth of the sport and expansion to 156 member countries worldwide. He previously served as Development Director at World Rowing (1992-1995), Program Director at USRowing (1989-1992), and coached internationally in Italy (1986-1989). His expertise spans global sports governance, international development, and technology adoption in Olympic sports.
“Technology in sports should empower coaches and strengthen the athlete experience,” Smith said. “CrewLAB’s approach to building tools that support team culture rather than replace human connection is exactly what our sport needs as we look to the future.”
Drew Ginn is a four-time Olympic gold medalist with 20 years of experience competing at the highest level of international rowing. He has also served in leadership roles in professional sports administration, including as Head of Cricket Australia. His expertise includes elite athlete development, coach-athlete relationships, and performance culture.
“I have loved connecting with Simon and Dominic from CrewLAB and am absolutely bought in on where they are taking this coaching and athlete platform,” Ginn said. “I believe that CrewLAB solves problems that have stood the test of time—helping your teammates, maximizing performance, and improving the outcomes of all the efforts that go into training. At the heart of this venture is a care for the coach and athlete relationship.”
Dr. Karen Givvin is an Adjunct Professor at UCLA, where she teaches Psychology and Education courses, including courses on John Wooden as an educator through the Transformative Coaching and Leadership program. Her research focuses on teaching and learning methodologies, with particular emphasis on math education from preschool through college. She brings expertise in educational psychology and the connection between coaching and teaching.
“We’re honored to have Matt, Drew, and Karen join our advisory board,” said Dominic Pardini, CEO of CrewLAB. “Their combined expertise in elite sport, governance, and athlete development will be invaluable as we expand our partnerships and continue building technology that truly serves coaches and athletes.”
Simon Hoadley, Founder and President of CrewLAB, added: “As a coach, I’ve always looked to people like Matt, Drew, and Karen for guidance on what great coaching looks like at the highest level. Having them advise CrewLAB means we’re building something that reflects the best practices from Olympic programs to youth clubs. Their involvement validates what we’re trying to accomplish—technology that enhances the coach-athlete relationship instead of replacing it.”
About CrewLAB
CrewLAB is a coaching software platform designed to build great teams. Founded by coaches who experienced firsthand the challenges of fragmented tools and athlete safety concerns, CrewLAB’s mission is to champion lifelong enjoyment and achievement in sports. For more information, visit [company website].
Media Contact:
Simon Hoadley, simon@crewlab.io
