California: 2008 (Junior) Rowed on the fourth-place varsity 4+ at the NCAA Championships and the second-place varsity 4+ at the Pac-10 Championships...switched to port from starboard at NCAAs...an honorable mention selection to the Pac-10 All-Academic team. 2007 (Sophomore) Stroked the varsity 4+ that placed third at NCAAs. 2006 (Freshman) Stroked the freshman 8+ that placed third at the Pac-10 Championships...was alternate for NCAA Championship squad.
Personal: Sociology major...rowed for Capital Crew in high school...varsity team captain junior and senior year at Capital Crew...won freshman 8+ gold (2002), varsity Four silver (2003), varsity quad silver (2004) and varsity 8+ bronze (2004) at the Southwest Junior Rowing Championships...parents are Mary Jo and Paul Herman...has three siblings, Michelle, Brian and Paul...brother, Paul, was a member of Cal men's crew last season...born July 4, 1987, in Las Vegas, Nev.
The best part about being on Cal crew is: The atmosphere surrounding you on a day-to-day basis. Everyone shows up with a great attitude. Everyone is committed to the team goal and it's really exciting to be a part of a team that cares so much.
The best part of the University is: The people. Every day I am surrounded by the brightest professors and students in the nation.
My greatest achievement/finest moment was: Winning the 2006 San Diego Crew Classic, because we were down with 500 meters to go and we came back to win. We all really pulled together.
I chose Cal because: The first thing that attracted me to Cal was the fact that it is an excellent school; I knew that a degree from Cal would set me apart later on in my future. But the biggest factor was the crew team. When I came on my visit everyone on the team was so welcoming and I liked the fact that every day was going to be a challenge at Cal both on and off the water.
What sets Cal apart: Every day I am faced with the task of bettering myself by attending such a phenomenal school and training with great teammates. It's challenging but also fun and exciting and you are constantly surrounded by people who make you want to learn more and better yourself.
