Stephanie Maxwell-Pierson

Stephanie Maxwell-Pierson rowed at Cornell, from which she graduated with a degree in hotel management. She rowed internationally for the United States from 1987-92, appearing at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, winning a bronze medal in the pair in 1992. She raced at four World Championships (1987, 1989-91), winning four silver medals, in the eight in 1987 and 1990, the pair also in 1990, and the four in 1991. Maxwell-Pierson also won a silver in the pair at the 1990 Goodwill Games. In 1990 she was a co-recipient of USA Rowing’s Female Athlete of the Year. She also competed four times at the Lucerne International Regatta (1987, 1989, 1991-92), claiming six first or second place finishes.

Maxwell-Pierson was part of the all-female crew for the America3 boat that attempted to defend the America’s Cup for the US in 1995. The crew participated in some trials, but was eventually replaced by some male sailors, and the America3 did not qualify to defend the Cup. The skipper of the crew was Olympian J. J. Isler who, when asked about the qualifications of the women, noted of Maxwell-Pierson, “She can bench press her husband, so I think we can overcome the strength issue.”

Maxwell-Pierson later embarked on a hotel management career with Embassy Suites in Philadelphia. She is a member of the Cornell University Sports Hall of Fame.