meet coach cunningham
A lifetime in sport. A focus on what matters.
With more than 30 years in teaching and coaching, Cassandra Cunningham has worked with athletes at every stage—from beginners to national and international competitors. Across tennis, track and field, and rowing, her approach is consistent: build strong foundations, develop discipline, and help people reach what they’re capable of. She’s coached at the high school, collegiate, and international levels—adapting her approach to meet athletes where they are and push them forward. Different environments. Different goals. Same standard.
Clear. Focused. Intentional.
What sets her apart isn’t just experience—it’s how she shows up. With structure, accountability, and a deep understanding of what it takes to grow, she creates an environment where athletes can build confidence and perform at their best.
"I bring balance, organization, and discipline to everything I do, backed by strong listening and communication skills. I thrive on new challenges and adapt quickly to change, always striving for growth and excellence."
Balance
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Adapt
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Lead
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Uplift
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Balance • Adapt • Lead • Uplift •
about Coach Cassandra Cunningham
The path started early—and it never stopped.
Coach Cunningham began as a multi-sport athlete in cross country and track before finding rowing in college at Sacramento State. There, she earned multiple championship titles and won the 1995 Pacific Coast Rowing Championships in the Women’s Varsity Eight.
After earning her degree in Physical Education, she trained with the U.S. National Team for three years and went on to become a five-time U.S. National Elite Champion. Her competitive career includes international silver medals at the 1998 World Rowing Championships and the 1999 Pan American Games. That experience now shapes everything she teaches.
Coaching Career & PHILOSOPHY
Experience built over time. Standards that don’t change.
Coach Cunningham founded P3PE to bring structure, clarity, and purpose to athlete development. At the center is her philosophy: Prior Proper Planning.
It’s not just a concept—it’s how she coaches.
Preparation creates confidence.
Discipline builds consistency.
Planning drives performance.
Through this approach, athletes learn more than technique. They develop habits—organization, accountability, and professionalism—that carry into every part of life.
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Proven results. At every level.
2015 World Junior Rowing Championships, bronze medal in women’s 2-
2015 Ivy Championships, fourth place in varsity 4+
First Pennsylvania Varsity 4+ to make Ivy League grand final
2014 Junior Rowing Championships, bronze medal in women’s 2-
2013 Ivy Championships, silver medal in third varsity 8+
2012 World Junior Rowing Championships, silver medal in women’s 2-
First USA Junior medal in women’s 2- event
2009 Youth National Championships, silver medal in boy’s 2-
2002 Transitioned the Junipero Serra program from club to varsity status
2001 Dad Vail Regatta, silver medal in women’s lightweight 8+
2000 Dad Vail Regatta, gold medal in women’s lightweight 8+
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Built on knowledge. Backed by experience.
Master of Education in Athletic Directing
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts - 2002
Bachelor of Science in Physical Education
California State University, Sacramento, California - 1996
Graduate Certificate: Sports and Exercise Psychology
Seton Hall University - 2024
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CPR
First Aid
American Sports and Fitness Association
Personal Trainer
Group Fitness Specialist
US Rowing member since 1991
Level I US Rowing Coaching

