Motsch, a 1994 Fordham College graduate, rowed with the varsity all four years at Fordham, serving as a co-captain in 1993-94. An elite sweep and sculler, he went undefeated in Patriot League competition, winning the league title in the lightweight 4, lightweight 8 and heavyweight 8 from 1992-94 as well as winning a gold medal with the heavyweight 4 as a junior in 1993. Motsch was also a part of a crew that won four straight New York State Championships, placing first with the heavyweight 4 in 1991, the lightweight 4 in 1992, the lightweight 4 and lightweight 8 in 1993 and the heavyweight 8 in 1994. On the national scene, Motsch won gold medals with the lightweight 8 at the 1993 and 1994 ECAC National Championships and he won a gold medal at the 1992 Dad Vail Championships with the lightweight 4.
 
Motsch went on to row for the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), winning five national championships at the U.S. Nationals from 1993-95 and three championships at the Canadian Henley Regatta. He also competed at the U.S. Olympic Festival in 1995, placing second with the lightweight 4 without coxswain, and at the 1995 World Championships, placing third in the lightweight 2 without coxswain.