Paparangi Hipango Class: Sophomore Hometown: Whanganui, New Zealand High School: Wanganui Collegiate School Height / Weight: 5-11 / 170

California: 2011 (Junior): 2011 Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year ... rowed on Cal's varsity 8+ boat that placed fourth at the NCAA Championships, won at the Pac-10 Championships and in the dual meets against Stanford and Washington.

Personal: Won national titles in 2009 in the Under-18 double sculls, in 2006 in the eight and the Under-17 four ... also competed on the New Zealand national team in 2008, claiming the bronze in the quad in the world championships, fourth in the four at the 2007 championships, and fifth in the quad in 2009 ... also in 2008, took silver in the Under-18 four and eight ... lists best sports moment as winning the Maori Under 25 Sportswoman of the Year Award in 2008 ... also competed on the netball state team in New Zealand ... parents are Dean Macfater and Harete Hipango ... undeclared major ... born in Auckland, New Zealand.

What sets Cal apart?: Its diversity in culture and people. The athletic department and the teams are like nothing I've ever seen before. There has been a very high standard set by athletics in the past for those up-and-comers to keep working hard to beat.

My greatest achievement was: Finding out about being accepted into Cal and gaining recognition for my rowing achievements in New Zealand amongst famous New Zealand sporting icons and athletes.