Paul Hawksworth is quickly working his way up the coaching ranks in the sport of rowing.

The Ladner native, who enjoyed a stellar competitive career at the University of Victoria, was recently appointed coach of the Canadian under 23 men's program.

Hawksworth has been working in the Canadian university rowing system and has also had several years of experience in the U.S. college system, including a stint at Washington State. His coaching duties will be based at the national training centre at Elk Lake in Victoria.

"I'm particularly pleased with the additional support that Paul will provide to our development program," said Peter Cookson, Rowing Canada's high performance director. "This role will help shape the high performance program to ensure that talent is properly nurtured, which is essential for the future success of our national and Olympic teams."

He is the son of longtime Delta councillor George Hawksworth who passed away in March.