Herman has been playing soccer since he was in kindergarten, year-round for much of that time. He’s played in the summer at the Keystone State Games, in the winter at indoor tournaments all over the region, and for the last four falls and springs, with the Muhlenberg College team.

“The things you can do in soccer are limitless,” he said. “You can use just about any part of your body except for your arms and hands. There are so many body parts you can use that it opens up things. That makes the sport really difficult to master. You have to keep on working on developing your game.”

Herman began his career at nearby Whitehall High School as a central midfielder, eventually moving his way back to sweeper by the time he was a senior. He’s played in the back all four years with the Mules.

“During high school my preference was being in the middle because you could control the game a little more,” he commented. “As I played more in the back, it’s kind of what I got used to. You can see the whole field. Everything is in front of you.”

Ever since arriving at Muhlenberg, Herman has been a varsity contributor to a stingy defense that allows just about a goal per game. He took the place of injured teammates in the starting lineup in both his freshman and sophomore years. In 2000, he started 15 of the Mules’ 19 games, scoring his first career goal in the regular-season finale against Ursinus. So far this season, Herman has played in a reserve role.

“You have to know what your position is and be ready if you’re called upon,” said Herman of his role on the team. “You want to be able to step into the game and not slow us down at all, but maybe add something.

“It’s a little harder being a defender, because we don’t sub as much in the back. We tend to sub for the midfielders and the forwards because they run a lot more. But you have to try to keep your focus, try to avoid distractions and keep your legs loose.”

Although Herman knows that his position won’t get him too much consideration for the Hermann Trophy, which is given annually to the top collegiate soccer player in the country, he does have his eyes on national recognition – for his team.

“Our main goal is to make it to the NCAA Tournament,” said the accounting major. “We feel we’re good enough, so we’re going to try our best to win every game.”