Staff Spotlight: Erin Harman

Our Staff Spotlight for the month of September is Erin Harman, Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach in Intercollegiate Athletics.

After being a student at Millersville University from 2014-2018 and within days of graduating, Erin started her journey as the Assistant Volleyball Coach in the Intercollegiate Athletics Department. She has been serving as the assistant volleyball coach for two years, and even stepped in as the interim head swimming coach for half a year.

“Being a coach for a collegiate volleyball team allows you to play many different roles,” explained Erin. “My favorite part is being a mentor to young women and helping guide them through some of their most challenging years of their lives so far. Being able to see the growth that they make in all aspects of life, whether it’s on the court, in the classroom, or just in everyday life is very rewarding. As coaches we understand that there is more to our jobs than the fundamentals of our sports. I look forward to seeing my colleagues smiling faces in the office and getting in the gym with student athletes that love the game and competing during each practice/competition.”

Working with our student athletes virtually was a big adjustment without having the ability to see the students at the gym each day.  During the pandemic, the students had weekly check-ins to make sure they were doing well with online learning from home.  “As a team we got together over zoom calls to get to know each other better, meet our incoming freshmen and create bonds that don’t usually get made until the student-athletes show up for preseason in August,” said Erin.  “We even did some social media challenges to keep them engaged. No matter what this school year has in store for us, we will embrace the time that we get to spend together and adapt to the new normal. We are excited to get back in the gym whenever it is safe to do so!”

When Erin is not at Millersville she enjoys playing volleyball in local leagues and tournaments, making memories with family and friends, making connections with new people, and focusing on personal development. Before coming to campus to coach, she also works with elementary school students.

Thank you, Erin, for your dedication to the volleyball team, your student athletes, and our division. We appreciate all you do for Millersville University!