Rachel Ersted Class: Sophomore Hometown: Palo Alto, Calif. High School: Palo Alto HS Height / Weight: 5-4 / 105

California: 2011 (Freshman): Coxed Cal's varsity 8+, helping the Bears win at the Pac-10 Championships and at the dual meets against Stanford and Washington ... also coxed the varsity 8+ at the NCAA Championships, where Cal placed third as a team ... invited to the U.S. National team U23 freshman camp

Personal: Rowed for NorCal Crew ... at the 2010 USRowing Youth Nationals, placed second in the lightweight 4+ ... at the 2008 USRowing Youth Nationals, finished fifth in the lightweight 8+ ... won the novice 8+ at the 2007 USRowing Youth Southwest Regionals ... 2009-10 USRowing Scholastic Honor Roll Honorable Mention ... parents are Richard and Karen Ersted ... has a brother, Matthew ... grandfather attended Boalt Law School at Cal ... economics major.

The best part about being on Cal crew is: The team. Each coach and every athlete aims high and is driven to succeed and compete at the highest level.

The best part of the university is: The environment. It's a blend of highly competitive athletics, outstanding academics and a laid-back atmosphere.