Profile: Coach Michael Lee

Coach Michael Lee has been the Dragon Divas’ head coach since 2021. His passion for dragon boating started in 2005 when he was asked to paddle with his employer’s team in Arizona. After his first festival, he was hooked. What started as a once-a-year commitment quickly became five days a week of paddling and coaching. Michael was drawn to the sport because of its inclusivity, uniqueness, and the cultural component reflecting his Chinese heritage.

After a job promotion relocated Michael to Minnesota in 2019, he started coaching the Making Waves breast cancer team in Rochester. Michael was introduced to the Dragon Divas in 2020 after meeting one of the Dragon Divas’ founding members, Ron Soppeland, at a festival. The Dragon Divas and Michael mutually agreed Michael would be a good fit as coach.

While not personally touched by breast cancer, Michael wants to continue to grow the sport of dragon boating and appreciates what the Dragon Divas stand for – sisterhood and community always come first.  He believes it’s important to work toward sustainability and generate leadership within the team.

For those who might be new to dragon boating, Michael encourages them to give it a try. He believes everyone can play a role whether it’s on the boat or off the boat.