Paulina Hersler, a redshirt junior from UCLA, has signed a Southeastern Conference Agreement to join the Gators for the 2017-18 season, head coachCameron Newbauer announced Thursday.
Hersler, who will graduate from UCLA this spring with a bachelor of arts degree in communication studies, will have one year of eligibility remaining as a graduate student-athlete.
The 6-2 forward from Malmö, Sweden, appeared in all 34 games for the Bruins during the 2016-17 season when the team advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 before falling to UConn. Hersler contributed 3.4 points and 2.6 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game and converted a steady 73.7 percent of her free throws (14-of-19) during the year.
Her statistic numbers increased every season with the UCLA, as she appeared in 95 games in three years and earned two starts. She redshirted the 2013-14 season.
Prior to attending UCLA, Hersler played club ball for Telge Basket, the leading basketball club in Sweden. She was a member of the 2011 and 2012 Swedish National Championship teams and was named the Rookie of the Year.
Coach Cam on Paulina
“We are very excited to welcome Paulina to Gator Nation. She brings a wealthy of experience and a special skill set to our program and will have an opportunity to make an impact immediately. She was part of some special seasons at UCLA and has a confidence and maturity about her that will complement our current roster well. We look forward to her arrival on campus later this summer.â€
Paulina on becoming a Gator
“I based my decision on the connection with the coaches. The first time I talked with Coach Cam I knew that he and his staff were really good people and I could put a lot of trust in them. The relationship with the coach – especially since for me it’s a one-year deal – is really important. The coaches have great, great personalities and basketball philosophies and that’s going to help me get the most out of myself. I’m really excited about becoming a Gator and have already been working on my Gator chomp.â€
Florida’s Incoming Class
- Mikayla Hayes(6-2, Freshman, Forward, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota/Park Center HS) [name pronunciation: mih-KAY-la]
- Paulina Hersler (6-3, Graduate – eligible immediately, Forward, Malmö, Sweden / Igelstavikens Gymnasium/UCLA)
- Tameria Johnson(5-6, Freshman, Point Guard, Ocala, Florida/West Port HS) [name pronunciation: tah-MAIR-ee-uh]
- Jalaysha Thomas(6-2, Freshman, Forward, Ocala, Florida/West Port HS) [name pronunciation: jah-LAY-shu]
- Zada Williams(6-2, Junior – will sit out 2017-18 per NCAA transfer rules, Forward, Babson Park, Florida/Lake Wales HS/Univ. of Miami) [name pronunciation: ZAY-duh]
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