BERKELEY – Erin Cafaro, the most successful female rower in Cal history and a decorated American athlete, has re-joined the Golden Bear program as a volunteer assistant coach.

Cafaro rowed at Cal from 2002-06 and helped the Bears win the NCAA Championship in 2005 and 2006. She went on to become a two-time Olympic gold medalist, leading the United States to victory in the eight in both 2008 and 2012.

"It's always great when an alum returns to help the team," Cal head coach Al Acosta said. "In this case, it's pretty cool that we have the most successful alum in the history of Cal rowing returning to help. Erin has seen it all and can help everybody – including the coaches – get better."

Cafaro is also a five-time medalist at the World Rowing Championships, including three gold medals. She is a two-time honoree of the World Rowing Female Crew of the Year and was the 2009 U.S. Rowing Female Athlete of the Year.

While serving on Cal's coaching staff, Cafaro is also a Psy.D candidate at the Wright Institute in Berkeley.

"I feel so lucky that Al has let me come on and help the team," Cafaro said. "It feels good to come back and see these girls, and also have a slightly different perspective on the whole thing."

The Bears begin the 2020 spring season on March 28 at the Pac-12 Invitational at Redwood Shores.