Copeland Hires Assistant Coach Sabrina Gottschalk
August 28, 2026 | Rowing
Gottschalk joins the Cardinals’ staff after one season at Eastern Michigan
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville rowing head coach Derek Copeland announced the hiring of assistant coach Sabrina Gottschalk on Friday afternoon.
"We immediately knew that Sabrina would make a positive and lasting impact with the Cards," said Copeland on the hire. "She loves to see the athletes grow through great coaching. Her recent experience in competitive rowing gives her a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at this level. We look forward to her helping connect the athletes with our mission in unique ways."
"I am so excited for the opportunity to work with the women's rowing team here at Louisville," said Gottschalk. "To be a part of such a competitive conference like the ACC is incredibly exciting and I am looking forward to stepping into this space. The staff has been incredibly welcoming and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them. The campus is beautiful and everyone who I have met has been so welcoming which is a statement to the culture here at Louisville. I look forward to building relationships with the student-athletes and being part of this program."
Gottschalk heads to The Ville after one season as an assistant coach at Eastern Michigan University. She coached EMU's 3V8 squad that made program history by finishing second in 6:58.8, 15 seconds faster than the previous team best in the 3V8, at the first-ever MAC Championship. The Eagles finished fifth as a team in the league regatta in Gottschalk's lone season in Ypsilanti, Mich.
Originally from Utica, Mich., Gottschalk spent four years as a captain racing on the Michigan State rowing team. She earned Academic All-Big 10 honors her sophomore, junior and season seasons along with being named a CRCA Scholar-Athlete her final two years. She was a Big Ten Distinguished scholar her junior year and was named First Team All-Big Ten for her athletic achievements her senior year.
"Throughout the hiring process, Sabrina's energy, work ethic and ability to connect with people consistently stood out," added assistant coach Egan Berne. "She brings an eagerness to learn and grow, but also the confidence to take ownership and run with an opportunity when it is presented to her. We believe she will build meaningful relationships with our student-athletes and recruits while bringing a fresh perspective to our staff. We're incredibly excited about what Sabrina can contribute immediate and, just as importantly, the coach she can become here at Louisville."
She competed with the Spartans' Varsity 8 squad, helping her team finish fourth in the Sunshine State Invitational (6:32.55), finished first in the final race at the Big Ten Invitational (6:36.733), second in the Dale England Cup (7:31.28), and second in IRA Sprints to earn a spot in the Grand Final against five ranked crews, finishing sixth in a time of 7:09.54. She also helped her team finish fifth in the varsity eight at Big Ten Championships (6:17.781) a length ahead of Ohio State in MSU's best finish at the Big Ten Championships since 2014.
Gottschalk graduated from MSU in May 2025 with a bachelor's degree in advertising management. She competed in the 2025 World University Games for the United States, taking home bronze in the 8+ boat. She also earned bronze medals in pairs and gold in an 8+ boat at the 2025 Rowfest at Ford Lake.
"We immediately knew that Sabrina would make a positive and lasting impact with the Cards," said Copeland on the hire. "She loves to see the athletes grow through great coaching. Her recent experience in competitive rowing gives her a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at this level. We look forward to her helping connect the athletes with our mission in unique ways."
"I am so excited for the opportunity to work with the women's rowing team here at Louisville," said Gottschalk. "To be a part of such a competitive conference like the ACC is incredibly exciting and I am looking forward to stepping into this space. The staff has been incredibly welcoming and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them. The campus is beautiful and everyone who I have met has been so welcoming which is a statement to the culture here at Louisville. I look forward to building relationships with the student-athletes and being part of this program."
Gottschalk heads to The Ville after one season as an assistant coach at Eastern Michigan University. She coached EMU's 3V8 squad that made program history by finishing second in 6:58.8, 15 seconds faster than the previous team best in the 3V8, at the first-ever MAC Championship. The Eagles finished fifth as a team in the league regatta in Gottschalk's lone season in Ypsilanti, Mich.
Originally from Utica, Mich., Gottschalk spent four years as a captain racing on the Michigan State rowing team. She earned Academic All-Big 10 honors her sophomore, junior and season seasons along with being named a CRCA Scholar-Athlete her final two years. She was a Big Ten Distinguished scholar her junior year and was named First Team All-Big Ten for her athletic achievements her senior year.
"Throughout the hiring process, Sabrina's energy, work ethic and ability to connect with people consistently stood out," added assistant coach Egan Berne. "She brings an eagerness to learn and grow, but also the confidence to take ownership and run with an opportunity when it is presented to her. We believe she will build meaningful relationships with our student-athletes and recruits while bringing a fresh perspective to our staff. We're incredibly excited about what Sabrina can contribute immediate and, just as importantly, the coach she can become here at Louisville."
She competed with the Spartans' Varsity 8 squad, helping her team finish fourth in the Sunshine State Invitational (6:32.55), finished first in the final race at the Big Ten Invitational (6:36.733), second in the Dale England Cup (7:31.28), and second in IRA Sprints to earn a spot in the Grand Final against five ranked crews, finishing sixth in a time of 7:09.54. She also helped her team finish fifth in the varsity eight at Big Ten Championships (6:17.781) a length ahead of Ohio State in MSU's best finish at the Big Ten Championships since 2014.
Gottschalk graduated from MSU in May 2025 with a bachelor's degree in advertising management. She competed in the 2025 World University Games for the United States, taking home bronze in the 8+ boat. She also earned bronze medals in pairs and gold in an 8+ boat at the 2025 Rowfest at Ford Lake.
Thursday, September 11
Tuesday, January 24
Tuesday, January 14
Saturday, October 05
