Erica Herrera

When Erica Herrera transferred to Hastings College as a junior, it was a leap of faith for the Lubbock, Texas native who had never visited campus.

“I felt very welcome here,” Erica said of when she arrived at HC two years ago. “The people here are all different, but they are all the same in the way they respect who you are.”

Erica says it was no coincidence that she arrived at Hastings College at this point in her life. She credits her faith in God for guiding her to where she is today.

“God shows me that all I have is a gift from Him to enjoy and to use for His glory,” Erica said. “I want to better myself so I can help other people. That’s why I went into education, so I can make an impact and help others who are going through the same things I have.”

The elementary education major and accomplished tennis player hopes to become a children’s tennis coach and eventually go into children’s counseling. Erica earned GPAC All-Conference selection at No. 1 singles, and No. 1 doubles.

“My teachers here know who I am and what I want to pursue. Coach Comron has had the biggest impact on me,” Erica said. “He has helped me grow spiritually and athletically. He’s a great role model.”

HC Head Tennis Coach Comron Yazdgerdi ’10 MAT, was named a 2010 GPAC Coach of the Year.

“She’s a great person, an absolute angel in my opinion,” Coach Yazdgerdi said of Erica. “She’s going to be phenomenal at coaching. She has desire, she has a vision, and she has so many strengths to help build character in young people. She’s got the whole package.”

Erica will begin student teaching soon. She wants to continue her involvement in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and to participate more in Campus Crusade.

 “The impact HC has had on my life is something I will remember forever, and it is an enjoyment that I don't want to come to an end,” Erica said. “It’s been two years worth of life changing experiences: moments, people and situations that have helped me figure out who I want to be.”