A graduate of the University of Delaware, and earning a Master's Degree at Temple University in 1998, Amanda began her coaching career at Temple as Assistant Coach. One year later, Amanda took over the head coaching position at the University of Delaware to become the first head coach of women's rowing at UD.

In just five seasons, UD teams were ranked among the best in the East, and were victorious with top level finishes at such races as the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia, where the women's team placed third in 1999, second in 1990, and won the team championship in 2001.

Amanda retired from UD to begin working for Vespoli in June 2003.