Abby Ernst, an Edmonds, Washington, native, arrives in Madison after a rowing career that included time at both Ohio State and Washington.
"When you can bring in a coach like Abby, who is dedicated to being a rowing coach and has high level racing experience in both the Pac-12 and the Big Ten Conferences, you have something special," Bryans said. "Her energy and enthusiasm for the sport are contagious and we are psyched to welcome her to the Badger family."
The 2017 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner for Ohio State helped the Buckeyes win their fifth consecutive Big Ten title that year. She also rowed as the three seat in the varsity four that placed third at the 2017 NCAA Rowing Championships.
At Washington, Ernst stroked the third-place second varsity eight crew at the 2015 NCAA Rowing Championships as a sophomore. She rowed in that same boat all season, earning a Pac-12 title, as well as victories against California, Washington State and Stanford, among other race titles.
She finished both her spring of 2015 and 2014 seasons undefeated in the Pac-12.
Ernst is studying educational leadership and policy analysis while she serves the Badgers as a graduate assistant.
