LA JOLLA, Calif. - Julia White-Hoppe, a member of the U.S. National Team from 2005-2007 and former coach with the Oregon State University women's rowing team, has been named the top assistant coach for UC San Diego women's crew, head coach Pattie Pinkerton announced on Tuesday.

In addition to coaching the novice squad, White-Hoppe will assist with the varsity, handle recruiting duties, and oversee regatta preparation and management.

"We are pleased to welcome Julia to our staff," Pinkerton said. "We had a very strong candidate pool and Julia's rowing and coaching background proved to be an extraordinary fit. Her experience in Princeton ties in with our commitment to the scholar athlete and her elite rowing background will be a tremendous asset for us on the water. She is bringing outstanding personal resources to our program."

White-Hoppe comes to UCSD after serving as volunteer coach with the Oregon State women's rowing team during the 2008-09 season. Prior to that, White-Hoppe coached The Hun School of Princeton varsity girl's rowing team in 2008 and the novice boy's rowing squad from 2005 to 2007.

A four-year varsity athlete at Oregon State, White-Hoppe was a two-time first team NCAA All-American and served as team captain during her junior and senior seasons. After training with the U.S. National Rowing Team from 2002-04, White-Hoppe became a full-time elite rower with the National squad following her collegiate career.

A native of Medford, Oregon, White-Hoppe graduated from OSU in 2004 with a degree in Art History. She also earned Oregon State's Benny Award in 2004 for her athletic achievements and served as a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee from 2001 to 2004.

"Having an opportunity to be with a team that has done really well in the past and has room for growth is very exciting," White-Hoppe said. "It's always fun working with novices. They are just so excited about the sport and you get to teach them everything from scratch."