GREENWOOD, Ind. – In what has become one of the most decorated seasons in women's rowing history, Shelby Ernst added College Sports Communicators Third Team Academic All-American to her 2023-24 awards haul. She becomes the first member of the program to receive the award and one of just three rowers at the NCAA II level to earn Academic All-American status this season.
 
The at-large distinction, which is an honor that seeks to recognize the premier student-athletes in college athletics that excel both in the classroom and in their respective sports, includes field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, water polo, bowling, fencing, rifle, rowing, skiing, golf, gymnastics, men's volleyball, wrestling, and beach volleyball.
 
To be nominated, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (including both undergraduate and graduate degree work) and be at least a sophomore in both athletic and academic standing.
 
For rowing, a student-athlete must have competed in a minimum of four competitions or possess a top-eight finish at a conference championship.
 
This is Ernst's sixth accolade of the season after she was included on the Sunshine State Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll, was named a Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete, received CSC Academic All-District honors, was tabbed a CRCA First-Team All-American, and was a member of the SSC's boat of the Year.
 
The Alva, Florida native was a vital part of ERAU's Varsity Eight boat throughout 2023-24, a shell that was tabbed the Boat of the Year by the SSC. She helped guide the Blue and Gold to state and conference titles and eventually a berth in the NCAA II National Championship. Along the way, Ernst claimed three gold medals as well as a silver and a bronze.
 
Ernst possesses a 3.66 cumulative GPA in Aerospace and Occupational Safety.