Saint Joseph's University men's rowing head coach Mike Irwin has been selected as the 2025 Matt Ledwith Award recipient as the 2025 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta Coach of the Year. The Matt Ledwith Award is presented annually to a Dad Vail coach who has a distinguished record of accomplishment and who personifies character traits worthy of emulation in a quest to encourage student athletes to uphold the highest traditions and practices.

Now in his 14th season at the helm in 2024-25, Irwin has guided Saint Joseph's through an era of unprecedented growth and achievement. Under his leadership, the Hawks have reached new competitive heights, highlighted by numerous seasons and continued national recognition.

In recent years, Irwin has orchestrated some of the most successful campaigns in program history. The Hawks earned national rankings, multiple medals at the prestigious Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, and back-to-back appearances at the IRA National Championships — including the team's first at-large bid since 2009.

Additionally, Irwin has been instrumental as a key member of the Atlantic Sprints leadership group. With the focus on the continued success and growth of collegiate rowing, Irwin has helped the organization plan for the future, while also helping enhance the experience for student-athletes.

With more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience, including successful stints at Penn and Yale, Irwin has been a mainstay in the Philadelphia rowing community and at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. He was named EARC Lightweight Coach of the Year in 2005 while at Penn, and has represented the U.S. National Team staff at multiple Olympic Games and World Championships. 

A native of Buffalo, New York, and a graduate of Trinity College, Irwin has created a legacy at Saint Joseph's that is defined not only by victories, but by the culture of excellence he's built.