Updated: July 7, 2017 at 7:03 a.m.

GW Athletics announced Wednesday the hiring of Sarah Bernson as the new volleyball head coach about two months before the team’s season begins.

“We know she will be a great fit for our program and will do a great job developing our student-athletes both on and off the court,” Director of Athletics and Recreation Patrick Nero said in a University release.

Bernson takes over the program after former head coach Amanda Ault announced that she was resigning on May 24. Ault was 100-79 during her six seasons at the helm.

Bernson comes to Foggy Bottom after spending the previous five seasons as an assistant coach at American. During her tenure with the Eagles, the team went 136-36 including four trips to the NCAA tournament.

She also boasts head coaching experience with the Rising Tide – a professional volleyball team from the Chesapeake region – and spent eight years at Cornell, including three seasons as head coach.

During her collegiate playing career, Bernson was an outside hitter at Saint Mary’s and a captain during her senior season.

The Colonials return nine players from last year’s roster – three from each returning graduating class. After five years without a losing record in conference play, GW posted the fewest number of wins against Atlantic 10 opponents since 2004 last season.

“With GW Volleyball’s strong position in the Atlantic 10, I’m eager to work with the team, connect with the community and recruit for the future,” Bernson said.