Pull Back the Plaid Curtain on Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach Chris Moraga

Get to know assistant women’s soccer coach Chris Moraga in this addition of "Pull Back the Plaid Curtain!"

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

I have always loved athletics and knew that I wanted a career in athletics, it didn’t matter what form. At one point I realized that I would never have the chance to play professionally so I decided to turn my attention to coaching. My very first team was my brothers Under 7 team and I was instantly hooked. As I progressed I wanted to be in more competitive environments; and for me intercollegiate athletics are where I feel I can have the most impact and get the most enjoyment in coaching.

2. What is your favorite memory about being a coach/employee at Carnegie Mellon?

Definitely making the Final Four in 2019. It was the first for our program and in our athletic department. We didn’t have a great year in 2018 so seeing the 2019 group have the year they did was special. It was a group that really bought into everything and it showed what can be accomplished when everyone buys in, believes, and has the same goal. Such a fun experience and I will never forget it.

3. What is your favorite thing about campus at Carnegie Mellon University?

CMU is a special place. You have to be here to understand it, to feel it. I describe it as the magic kingdom. Once I toured the campus, met with players, faculty, and staff members I knew instantly that this place was special and everyone truly loves this place. It is beautiful, historic, but still has a modern feel to it. It was going to take someplace special to get me out of California and this was definitely somewhere I was drawn towards.

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

This is a tough one because I pull from so many people all the time. From my youth coaches, high school coaches and my mentors during my coaching career. I have been very fortunate to have a lot of people that have influenced me and supported me. But if I would have to pick someone out it would have to be my previous boss at my last institution Monica Gerrardo. She was the first to give me an opportunity, showed me the ropes of collegiate coaching, always supported me, gave me tough love, and is still a good friend who gives me HONEST advice. Yon isn’t too shabby of a boss as well, close second is Yon.

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

It would have to be my last institution at Whittier College. Total rebuild of a program. My first two years we were 2-34. But, the three years following were special because we changed the culture and figured out how to win and what it is to be a program. In my final year we made it to the conference tournament for the first time in program history and ended up beating the one and two seeds as the four seed. It was absolutely amazing to see the faces on players after the final whistle blew in the final. It also allowed the program to make the NCAA tournament for the second time in program history.

6. If you weren't coaching, what would you see yourself doing?

Coaching another sport or fitness instructing. I have done everything under the sun as side jobs and was even in banking during the early stages of my coaching career. There is nothing else for me; I truly love what I do.

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

Definitely the best cook of the assistant coaches on staff. Hands down. Grill, stove top, air fryer, instant pot definitely top chef of group.

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