Northeastern University men's rowing head coach John Pojednic has announced the hiring of alumnus and two-time Olympian Dan Walsh '02 as an assistant coach. Walsh, who earned a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was a member of the US National Team for 11 years. He will assist Pojednic and associate head coach Ted Benford in the development of current and future oarsmen.

"Ted and I are beyond thrilled to have Dan join us," Pojednic said. "I'd like to thank Peter Roby and Amanda Braun for helping, first, to establish this newly created position and, second, for enabling us to bring a candidate as highly qualified and talented as Dan into the Northeastern athletics family. Our core values are centered on leadership in intercollegiate athletics and include looking at the role of the coach as an educator. Dan will step into this position as a career oarsman transitioning into a career as a professional coach, an opportunity we are excited to be able to offer to a decorated and highly dedicated member of the US National Team of three quadrennials. His leadership experience and professional knowledge will undoubtedly enhance the strength and speed of our program and enrich the student-athlete experience."

In his time at Northeastern, Walsh played an integral role in leading the Huskies to three consecutive Eastern Sprints finals and a third-place finish, as well as a finals berth at the IRA National Championship Regatta. He was awarded the Parker Award as the most outstanding freshman oarsman and was a two-time recipient of the program's most valuable oarsman award. Walsh is the only oarsman in the history of Northeastern rowing to be so decorated.

"I feel honored and privileged to have the opportunity to return home to Northeastern University as assistant coach of men's rowing," Walsh said. "I am excited to help current and future student-athletes pursue their dreams and strive for excellence, just as I was able to do while at Northeastern."

In the summer of 2001, Walsh began his 11-year career as a national team oarsman. During his time with USRowing, he served as the alternate for the US Olympic eight that won gold in Athens in 2004. He captured a bronze medal as the six seat of the US eight at the 2006 World Championships, and again won bronze in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics as the five seat of the US eight. In the summer of 2009, he was inducted into the Northeastern Varsity Club Hall of Fame for excellence in the sport of rowing.

Walsh also is co-founder of the San Diego-based athletic training facility Engine Room Fitness. He will officially join the Northeastern staff on Aug. 15.

Noting Walsh's passion for Northeastern, Pojednic commented: "Above all else, Dan is a Husky to the core. His commitment to the program has been unwavering since he graduated and, after a decade on the road, we couldn't be more excited to welcome Dan home to Northeastern."