Pull Back the Plaid Curtain on Men’s and Women’s Diving Coach Alicia Gorman
Get to know men’s and women’s diving coach Alicia Gorman in this addition of "Pull Back the Plaid Curtain!"
1. What drew you to being a coach – why the path to intercollegiate athletics?
I didn’t set out to be. I started college as a science major, then moved to early childhood education and then finally made a move to Sport Administration. I thought I wanted to go into organizational management for sports or do something in professional sports. I coached diving and gymnastics all through college to earn money. When I completed my degree my diving coach needed help running his age group program and I decided to help him. I really enjoyed the development of athletes and developing a program. My experience at The University of Tennessee as a student-athlete was one of the most important developmental aspects of my life. When the opportunity came up to be the coach at CMU I wanted to be able to provide the same kind of experience as a coach to other young people. I did not set out to be a coach, but it is exactly the type of work that I am supposed to be doing.
2. What is your favorite memory about being a coach/employee at Carnegie Mellon?
Qualifying divers to nationals is always fun and feels like a great accomplishment. One of my favorite nationals as a coach was held in Indianapolis. They held a banquet at the Indianapolis Speedway and we got to drive our cars on the track as we came to the facility. That was really fun and at an iconic sports venue.
3. What is your favorite thing about campus at Carnegie Mellon University?
I work very early most of the year. My favorite thing is in the summer when it is warm in the mornings and I come to work early and it is quiet and the sun is rising. Campus is so peaceful at that time of day.
4. Who has been the most influential person in your career?
My diving coach and mentor, Dave Parrington, from The University of Tennessee. He is a tough and loving coach. He always expected the best out of us and to work hard. He is also a hard worker. I never knew him to miss a practice or be sick. He is a walking encyclopedia of diving history. He has coached everything from beginner divers to World Champion and Olympic divers. His caring nature always made us feel safe as divers and he is a ton of fun to be around. I definitely would not have become a coach without his example, guidance and mentorship.
5. What is the most memorable athletic event you have witnessed / been a part of outside of Carnegie Mellon Athletics?
Two things actually:
I attended the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. I only went to see a couple diving events but I knew divers that were competing from my college team so that was very fun to see them compete on that type of stage.
My daughter is a competitive tennis player and she won the WPIAL Singles Tennis Championship this season. In the championship match she was down by quite a bit in the third set and she came back and won the match. It was exhilarating (and nerve racking as a parent) to see her fight to the finish and come out on top.
6. If you weren't coaching, what would you see yourself doing?
In a dream world I would have starting playing tennis at a younger age and I would be a professional tennis player (and retired by now doing philanthropic work). In a realistic world with my skills I would maybe be a teacher or running my own business.
7. What is one thing that no one knows about you?
I hide my favorite things to eat in my house so my family doesn’t scarf everything up. Seriously, right now I have salsa sunchips, dark chocolate covered cranberries and salted caramels stashed around my house. An empty crock pot and empty cracker box are very good hiding spots.
For other department member responses, visit Pull Back the Plaid Curtain.