CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Erin Ahern was a WGCA Academic All-American and an Academic All-Big Ten selection for the Illini in 2013-14 after joining the team as a sophomore in the spring of 2013. An accomplished Ahern competed in nine tournaments during her two full seasons at Illinois, recording a career-low round of 72 at the 2014 Big Ten Championships.

An aerospace engineering major, she was a member of the Illinois Space Society, the Society of Women Engineers and the Engineering Council. She currently lives in Seattle, where she works as a structural design engineer at Boeing.

Originally from Hinsdale Ill., Ahern has one sister, Colleen. Their parents, Mike and Cathy, are both 1983 graduates of Illinois. She is on Twitter and Instagram @erinahern1

Why did you choose Illinois?

It had the best mix of academics and athletics.

What is your favorite team memory?

Traveling with the team!  Between team practice rounds, team dinners, bus karaoke, getting to stay with host families, and representing Illinois in orange and blue, traveling to tournaments was always a memorable experience.

What was your favorite spot on campus?

 The Quad between classes.  There's such an energy and excitement as everyone is heading to class or just hanging out with friends.

How did the University of Illinois prepare you for your career? 

The rigorous academic program at Illinois prepared me by not only developing my technical knowledge within my area of study but also teaching me how to learn things I didn't know once I entered my career.

What has been the most valuable lesson you learned from your time at Illinois? 

Never give up!  During my first appearance at Big Tens my junior year, I had an 18-stroke improvement between my first and second-round scores; my second-round score ended up counting toward the team total.  Had I just given up, I would've missed an opportunity to help the team achieve our team goals.

How did the U of I help you grow during your college journey (golf, academics, personal)? 

The U of I helped me grow tremendously during my four years.  Competing at the collegiate level allowed me to continue to develop my golf game, and it also introduced me to teammates that continue to be some of my best friends.  The academics at U of I gave me a good base of knowledge and prepared me for my current career.  Having to balance two significant and time-consuming commitments (golf and academics) forced me to mature quickly and stay focused on my goals.

How has the alumni network impacted your experience during your time on campus and following graduation? 

The alumni network has been amazing - I meet fellow Illini wherever I go!

How did being a member of the Illinois Women's Golf Team impact you? 

I had the unique experience of joining the team during my sophomore year.  During my freshman year, I felt like something was missing since golf had been such a huge part of my life throughout high school.  Getting to represent the Orange and Blue while competing at a high level in a sport I love was an unforgettable opportunity.

How would you describe your relationship with your teammates and coaches?

 My teammates were and continue to be some of my best friends.  They truly understood the challenges of being a student-athlete and were always there for me when I needed them.  I owe all of my success to that support system – without my teammates and my coaches, I wouldn't be where I am today.

What skills did you gain/develop by being an Illini student-athlete?

Time-management, accountability, self-reliance, discipline, and focus.

What do you miss most from your time on campus? 

The supportive environment – being with teammates who are also trying to balance both academics and golf.

What advice would you like to share with our current team members?

Amidst all the craziness with classes and golf, take time to enjoy every moment!  You'll look back at the end of senior year and wish time hadn't gone by so fast.

Top item on my bucket list: To visit Australia/New Zealand

When were you last on campus?

At the end of July!  I stopped by on the way back from a teammate's wedding in central Illinois.

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