Paul Savell is Drexel University's Director of Rowing for the men's and women's programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is in his fourth year overseeing both teams, and in 2025 he resumed leadership of the women's program as head coach, beginning his 19th season in that position. Savell has been at Drexel since 2007, when he was hired as director of rowing after nine seasons as Lehigh's head crew coach.
Under Savell, Drexel has built one of the most accomplished rowing programs in its history. Since he arrived, the Dragons have earned national-level results at events such as the Dad Vail Regatta, Henley Women's Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta, and the IRA National Championships. In 2024-25, Drexel's men won the Dad Vail title for the fourth straight year, both programs repeated as overall champions, and the women's varsity eight captured a second consecutive gold medal there. Drexel placed all five boats in grand finals, with additional victories from the women's second varsity eight and the men's third varsity eight and varsity four. The women also won gold at the CAA Championships for the first time since 2022 and finished second in the team standings, while the men's varsity four placed 12th at the IRA National Championships.
