Across the storied history of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, countless student-athletes have left their mark on the ice and have continued to excel in their post-collegiate careers. In this special Alumni Spotlight series, the WCHA will highlight former players around the league who have made an impact and gone above and beyond in their respective professional careers.
In the eighth installment of this series, the WCHA is highlighting former Ohio State forward Julianna Herrmann (formerly Iafallo), who is now a Physical Therapist. Herrmann graduated from the Ohio State University in 2018 with a Bachelors in Health Sciences and Rehabilitation and was a member of the Buckeyes women's ice hockey team all four years of her collegiate career. During her four-year career with the Buckeyes, Herrmann appeared in 146 games and tallied 64 points off of 22 goals and 42 assists. After her time at Ohio State, Herrmann played professional hockey for the Buffalo Beauts in 2018-2019. In 2022, Herrmann graduated with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy, and she now works as a Clinic Director and PT for a private outpatient orthopedic clinic in Buffalo, NY.
How did playing college and professional hockey prepare you for your current career?
Playing college and professional hockey prepared me to be a physical therapist by being able to put myself in my patients' shoes and understand the hard work they have to put in to reach their goals. It helped me be driven in my career and always want to be the best version of myself.
What was your favorite memory from playing in the WCHA?
Some of my favorite memories are just being around my teammates in the locker room and on the road. Also, making it to the Frozen Four in 2018 for the first time in program history was very special.
What advice would you give to your college self and current WCHA players?
Enjoy every second of it because it does go by so fast. Embrace the ups and downs of playing a sport in college, but also take advantage of what that provides you with.
What was the most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA?
The most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA was the competition it brought each week and what it meant after winning those big games.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were playing?
Be your biggest supporter and hardest critic.
WCHA Alumni Spotlight Features
Margot Miller, North Dakota
Emma Yanko, Minnesota Duluth
Gabby Billing, St. Thomas
Baylee Stevenson (Gillanders), Minnesota
Sadie Lundquist, Bemidji State
Sheri Hudspeth (Maisonneuve), Minnesota State
Rachel Herzog, St. Cloud State
For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on X and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at wcha.com.