McGill University Athletics

(UPDATED: Feb. 1, 2021)

Dr. Philip Hedrei, a 44-year-old native of Town of Mt. Royal, joined the McGill rowing team's coaching staff in 2004 and was appointed head coach in 2009.

He was named OUA men's coach of the year in 2009 for his work with the lightweight men's program. In 2021, he was recognized with a Long Service Award from Rowing Canada.

Hedrei has truly paid his dues and risen through the ranks. He started out as a novice rower during his senior year as a student at McGill, in 1998, while he was studying medicine. The next year, he earned a spot on the heavyweight eight, where he rowed until graduating with a medical degree in 2000. He served as co-captain of the team, was elected club president, has overseen numerous fundraising ventures.

Currently on staff as a pediatrician at the Montreal Children's hospital, Hedrei was the fifth McGill rowing grad to earn OUA coach-of-the-year honours. Previous recipients included John Muir (2005), Andrew Howard (2007 novice boat), Mike Murphy (1996) and Ellen McAleese (1993).