Pull Back the Plaid Curtain on Head Softball Coach Monica Harrison

Get to know Head Softball Coach Monica Harrison in this addition of "Pull Back the Plaid Curtain!"

1. What drew you to being a coach – why the path to intercollegiate athletics?

I started coaching to scratch the itch of being away from the game I had played since I was four. I thought being a volunteer assistant while I worked fulltime on Wall Street would keep me close enough to the game to suffice but I was wrong. Once coaching, not only did I strengthen my love for the game, I realized how much I love the impact on players and the relationship with the players that I have.

2. What is your favorite memory during your time at Carnegie Mellon?

My favorite memory about being a coach at CMU would be the calls I got to make to the inaugural class that they had been accepted to CMU. The joy in their voices was such an awesome experience to be a part of. To share in their excitement to know that all of their hard work had paid off academically and athletically was – and still is – a joyous moment that I have each time I get to make those calls! Inaugural Class 

3. Who has been the most influential person in your career?

I don’t have one particular person that has been influential in my career. I think my coaching style has been shaped by the guidance and interaction of a lot of amazing coaches that I have been coached by or under and been mentored by. I like to think I am a student of coaching and learn from so many people. The softball community is amazing and the peer sharing makes the coaching talent so much stronger which in turn continues to grow the game.

4. What was sports like while you were growing up – how do you think it’s changed?

When I played sports, it was still largely a mom and pop run system, lots of dads coaching. There was a large emphasis on both playing and watching the game when I played. You had to know the history of the sport and the greats who played it before you could play at a high level. Emulation was a must when you were out practicing. The game has evolved so much over the years. There is a lot more attention and instruction happening very early on which is resulting in a higher concentration on the basics and mechanics of the sport at a younger age.

5. What is the most memorable athletic event you have witnessed / been a part of outside of Carnegie Mellon Athletics?

Most memorable athletic event I have been a part of was when I was an assistant coach at Arcadia University and we were in the MAC Conference playoffs in a game against Messiah College. We went 19 innings in the game (third longest game in DIII) in a rubber match. It was so exciting to coach in that game. The athletes on both sides were making some of the most spectacular plays (lots of diving catches).

6. What is one thing that no one knows about you?

Faith and family are my leading values. I am very loyal and when you are a part of my life you are a part of my family!

For other department member responses, visit Pull Back the Plaid Curtain.