Sophie Chats With... Mary Miller

Mary Miller, 38, is the head coach of the Penn State Mont Alto women's basketball and soccer teams. She attended Corpus Christi Catholic School, which is my school! Coach Mary is a graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School and earned her bachelor's degree from Wilson College and master's degree from American Military University.

Fun facts: she "loves to tell corny jokes (that I think are funny but others may not)," as well as to laugh and have a good time, and hasn't been able to touch her toes since about 5th grade!

Why did you decide to be the soccer coach at Mont Alto?

I was already coaching basketball at Mont Alto and I had always wanted to get back at coaching soccer at the college level as well so, when the opportunity opened up I was excited about a new challenge and opportunity to teach at the next level. I was also excited about getting a program restarted and developing around good core values and helping players push themselves to be better not just at the sport but in the classroom as well.  

How do you balance coaching two different sports?

It can be a little tough sometimes but I have some great Assistant Coaches that help keep me balanced and are there to help keep everything running smoothly. They are the key to being able to do both, and having some ice cream when things get a little crazy. 

What has been your biggest coaching challenge during the pandemic?

The biggest challenge for sure is not being able to see our players on a daily basis and having to have video chats.  I am a face to face person so it feels a little impersonal.  The other thing is not being able to be out and see prospective players (recruits) play and keeping in contact with them. 

Who are your role models or the people you look up to as coaches?

Oh man there are so many but I think my favorite because of what they stand for and how they could pull the best out of their players not just on the field but in the classroom would be the late and great Pat Summitt (TN Women's Basketball Coach), Anson Dorrance (UNC Women's Soccer Coach) and Vince Lombardi.  

But my biggest role models are my parents, they taught me a lot about work ethic and if you really want something how hard you have to work because things aren't just given to you.  They also just supported me in whatever path I wanted to take and never said you should do this or that or it isn't going to pay much.  They just wanted me and my brothers to be happy in whatever we were passionate about. 

What are you doing for fun during the pandemic? 

Starting to get back into a little bit of shape, hiking, reading and cooking.  I have had more time to get some grilling in and to try some new recipes.  

Thank you Coach Mary for being a great first interview!