New Director of Athletics Chelsea Herman reflects on the power of sport and love of the game
Chelsea Herman says one of the best parts of her new job as Director of Athletics at the University of Puget Sound is getting to walk around practices and see the student-athletes in action, under the guidance of coaches she describes as “tremendous masters of their craft.” Her goal, she said, as they develop in the classroom and competition, is for them to know she is their No. 1 fan. Herman knows from experience how formative and fun intercollegiate athletics can be for scholar-athletes, their institutions, and their communities.
A point guard who captained the women’s basketball team at Gonzaga University, Herman went on to earn a master’s degree and Ph.D. in sports ethics and sports administration, as well as an executive MBA. She brings 20 years of senior-level leadership experience to Puget Sound, having served most recently as deputy athletics director and senior woman administrator at California State University, San Bernardino.
Just before Homecoming, Herman sat down with our Arches editor to talk about great teams, memorable moments, and setting other people up for success (as good point guards do). Here’s what she had to say:
New Director of Athletics Chelsea Herman has hit the ground running in her new role. Highlights of her first months include recognizing the newest inductees into the Logger Athletics Hall of Fame and cheering on the Logger Football team at this year’s Homecoming game.
First things first — why Puget Sound?
I’m an educator, and knew from growing up in the Pacific Northwest that Puget Sound had a storied history of athletics excellence, was highly academic, and was focused on the holistic development of students. Puget Sound leadership has a commitment to championship athletics, and I wanted to lead an NCAA Division III athletics department where the scholar-athletes work hard in all facets of their lives and play for the love of a game. This is definitely the right place, with the right people, at the right time, and I feel extremely honored to be a Logger and to have joined this special campus community.
Do you have a favorite sports memory you’d like to share?
One of my all-time sports memories was from the eighth grade, when my mom surprised me with tickets to a PAC-10 tournament men’s basketball game between the University of Arizona and Oregon State. Being with my mom, watching Steve Kerr, Sean Elliott and Gary Payton live was an absolute dream come true. Looking back, that first live college basketball game inspired me and created a dream and a pathway for my entire life.
Chelsea Herman with Don Pulisevich ‘68, MED ‘68, who was captain of the Logger football team in 1967, at the Logger Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Is there anything from your time as a student-athlete that you find yourself still thinking about in your professional role today?
I have so much appreciation for the teachers, coaches, mentors, colleagues, and student-athletes who influenced my life and made me the person I am. I will spend my career trying to pay it forward. Growing up and playing the point guard position meant my job was to lead and to make other people better — to give the great assist, be a great teammate, and set my teammates up to be successful.
I also reflect on how sports give us a quiet confidence to try anything, be coachable, accept failure as part of the process, and that when you experience hardships, you get up, try again, and complete the drill. There are no losses, only lessons.
What teams are you cheering for this year?
First and foremost, I am a Loggers fan! Our scholar-athletes and coaches are very easy to cheer for, and I am excited to watch every single one of them compete this year. Away from Puget Sound, I have fun watching the Seattle Storm, Mariners, and Seahawks, and cheering for my former student-athletes who are still playing and/or coaching. I will always cheer on my alma mater, especially in March, but above all, I am a Logger. There is such great energy, enthusiasm, and passion for Puget Sound athletics!
Chelsea Herman cheering along with Grizz and student-athletes at this year’s Homecoming game.
What role do you think athletics have in building community?
There are two great things where people can gather around something that is cheerful and brings us joy: music and sports. So while we are here to support the journey of the student-athlete, it’s also very important that we create a community environment we can rally around. At Puget Sound, our role is to provide experiences and spaces to invite our students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members to voice their shared pride in what it means to be a Logger.
To welcome all and offer a fun experience, in pursuit of championship athletics.
Sports can deliver so much joy to a community, and I think it’s important that we understand we are bigger than ourselves. The Logger Way includes everyone, and it’s about more than the wins. We cannot do what we do without each and every one of you.
To get the latest Logger news and schedules — as well as a chance to meet Herman at a game, race, or match — go to loggerathletics.com.
