CSUN Athletics Mourns the Passing of Nick Herrmann
8/6/2022 1:02:00 PM | Men's Basketball
CSUN Athletics and our campus community mourns the passing of men's basketball student-athlete Nick Herrmann. A talented athlete on the court and a tougher young man in life, Herrmann lost his courageous battle to cancer on Saturday.
"This morning at 7:40 a.m., we lost a very special young man," said head men's basketball coach Trent Johnson. "In athletics, when there is a great player, we as coaches speak about them being different or having the 'it' factor, Nick possessed those qualities. When it comes to being genuine, authentic and loyal, he was all of that. For some of us, to have the opportunity and the privilege of being around him, the impact he had was instrumental. At this time, I think we all need to send our thoughts and prayers to his mother Nicole and Nick's family."
A San Diego native, Herrmann inspired many with his spirit and fight on the basketball court and in life. He lettered four seasons at his hometown Torrey Pines High School where he led the Falcons to CIF San Diego City Championship in 2021. However, his road to championship glory was a challenging one.
During his prep career, Herrmann was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his left leg in September 2018. Told that he may never play basketball again and may lose his leg, Herrmann would prove the medical experts wrong. Herrmann began treatment quickly after his diagnosis and immediately set plans for his return to the court.Â
Forced to miss a full year of school, Herrmann reclassified as a junior and returned to the basketball team that year. He soon became a key contributor to the Falcons, averaging 10 points per game, but his best was yet to come.
In his senior season, Herrmann averaged nearly 19 points and five rebounds per game in leading Torrey Pines to the CIF city championship game. There, he would have a moment that many will never forget. With a second remaining in the title game, Herrmann sank a game-winning 3-pointer to propel the Falcons to victory.
Herrmann guided Torrey Pines to a 30-1 season, finishing as runners-up at the CIF State Open Division SoCal Regionals. For his efforts, Herrmann earned first-team all-CIF honors and second-team all-state accolades after his remarkable senior season.
After graduating from Torrey Pines, Herrmann would become Coach Johnson's first recruit at CSUN. Herrmann was poised to become a difference maker on the court for the Matadors, but just weeks into his summer training, Herrmann discovered his cancer had returned.
Herrmann though remained on the team and again was determined to once again play and fulfill a dream of playing Division I basketball. During his treatment and recovery, Herrmann was a fixture at Matadors' practice and at games, often leading the cheering section on the team bench and helping the team in anyway he could.
Succumbing to cancer on Saturday, Herrmann's story and amazing fighting spirit will never be forgotten. At 20 years old, he leaves behind an indelible legacy filled with people he impacted for the better.
CSUN Athletics sends its thoughts and prayers to the family of Nick Herrmann during this difficult time.
#UniteTheValley
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"This morning at 7:40 a.m., we lost a very special young man," said head men's basketball coach Trent Johnson. "In athletics, when there is a great player, we as coaches speak about them being different or having the 'it' factor, Nick possessed those qualities. When it comes to being genuine, authentic and loyal, he was all of that. For some of us, to have the opportunity and the privilege of being around him, the impact he had was instrumental. At this time, I think we all need to send our thoughts and prayers to his mother Nicole and Nick's family."
A San Diego native, Herrmann inspired many with his spirit and fight on the basketball court and in life. He lettered four seasons at his hometown Torrey Pines High School where he led the Falcons to CIF San Diego City Championship in 2021. However, his road to championship glory was a challenging one.
During his prep career, Herrmann was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his left leg in September 2018. Told that he may never play basketball again and may lose his leg, Herrmann would prove the medical experts wrong. Herrmann began treatment quickly after his diagnosis and immediately set plans for his return to the court.Â
Forced to miss a full year of school, Herrmann reclassified as a junior and returned to the basketball team that year. He soon became a key contributor to the Falcons, averaging 10 points per game, but his best was yet to come.
In his senior season, Herrmann averaged nearly 19 points and five rebounds per game in leading Torrey Pines to the CIF city championship game. There, he would have a moment that many will never forget. With a second remaining in the title game, Herrmann sank a game-winning 3-pointer to propel the Falcons to victory.
Herrmann guided Torrey Pines to a 30-1 season, finishing as runners-up at the CIF State Open Division SoCal Regionals. For his efforts, Herrmann earned first-team all-CIF honors and second-team all-state accolades after his remarkable senior season.
After graduating from Torrey Pines, Herrmann would become Coach Johnson's first recruit at CSUN. Herrmann was poised to become a difference maker on the court for the Matadors, but just weeks into his summer training, Herrmann discovered his cancer had returned.
Herrmann though remained on the team and again was determined to once again play and fulfill a dream of playing Division I basketball. During his treatment and recovery, Herrmann was a fixture at Matadors' practice and at games, often leading the cheering section on the team bench and helping the team in anyway he could.
Succumbing to cancer on Saturday, Herrmann's story and amazing fighting spirit will never be forgotten. At 20 years old, he leaves behind an indelible legacy filled with people he impacted for the better.
CSUN Athletics sends its thoughts and prayers to the family of Nick Herrmann during this difficult time.
#UniteTheValley
Â
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