Chourova Joins Rowing Coaching Staff

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville rowing coach Derek Copeland has announced that Natalie Chourova is joining his staff as an assistant coach starting in August 2024.

"Natalie is an exciting addition to the rowing program," said Copeland. "Her rowing experience, coupled with her unique perspective, will contribute to the speed and experience of our athletes. With our large recruiting classes, we are always looking for ways to improve the initial experience of our athletes. Natalie is passionate about helping create a space for the first-year experience to be as supportive as possible so that those athletes can continue to focus on their athletic and academic pursuits."

Chourova, who was a member of Ohio State's rowing program from 2020 through 2024, also brings international experience as four-year member of the Czech Republic National Team.

"I am incredibly grateful to be part of such an amazing department, program, and staff," said Chourova. "I want to thank Coach Copeland and the athletic department at the University of Louisville for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to contribute towards the success of the program. I am excited to work alongside a group of dedicated individuals to push our athletes and help them reach their full potential."

Throughout her collegiate career, Chourova helped Ohio State to the 2022 Big Ten team championship and the 2023 Second Varsity Eight title. The 2024 team captain also contributed to the Buckeyes' success on the national stage with four NCAA Championship appearances including a sixth-place team finish in 2021 and an eighth-place showing in 2022. In 2021, she helped Ohio State place fourth in the NCAA 2V8 race, marking the program's best national finish since 2017.

Chourova was selected as one of 20 student-athletes to participate in the Women's Sports Foundation and NBC Sports Student-Athlete Mentoring Program during the 2023-24 season. She also served as a student-athlete mentor while working with USA Sport and Study.

The Prague, Czech Republic native was a member of her country's U23 Rowing Team from 2018-22, helping them secure a fourth-place finish in the U23 World Championships in 2021. Chourova tallied three national championship titles from 2018-21 and a runner-up finish in single scull in 2023. She also served as an associate coach for the Slavia Prague Rowing Club in 2023.

Chourova earned her bachelor's degree with magna cum laude honors in human nutrition and dietetics from Ohio State in May 2023 and went on to complete her master of science in sports management, kinesiology from OSU in May 2024. She was successful in the classroom as a four-time All-Big Ten Academic Team and Distinguished Scholar and Ohio State Scholar Athlete while competing for the Buckeyes.

University of Louisville Athletics

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