Stanford is coming off one of its best showings in recent memory at the IRA National Championship in May 2026. The Cardinal’s first varsity placed sixth overall on Gold River’s Lake Natoma, securing its 11th top-six finish in program history and just second since 2010. The Cardinal made the A Final of a full-field national championship for the first time since 2009.
Stanford was fifth in the Ten Eyck Trophy points standings with 209 points, tying a program record for best finish. The Cardinal was also awarded the Clayton Chapman Trophy at the conclusion of racing, given to the school that accumulates the greatest year-over-year increase in its Ten Eyck total point count. It was the first time in program history all three eights finished in the top 12 at the IRA National Championship (2V8 - 7th; 3V8 - 11th).
Prior to Stanford, Pojednic’s crews made seven IRA Grand Final appearances in the varsity heavyweight 8+ and 14 Eastern Sprints Grand Final appearances in varsity 8+ with four podium finishes. He also coached and developed four Olympians and mentored two assistant coaches who are currently Division I head coaches. Pojednic coached 12 oarsmen to compete in international competitions with five earning places on FISA World Championship teams.Â
In 2019, Pojednic co-founded the Intercollegiate Rowing Coaches Association which is devoted to supporting and developing intercollegiate rowing. The organization established a platform for coaches to advocate for student-athletes, promote the sport at the youth and collegiate levels and support the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movement.
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As an undergraduate, Pojednic was a member of the lightweight rowing team at Boston College. After graduation, Pojednic coached at Boston College and Riverside Boat Club.
He moved to Stanford with his wife, Rachele. Outside of rowing, Pojednic enjoys cycling, sailing, and skiing. He is a certified outdoor emergency care technician and a member of the national ski patrol.
