BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- The next alum in the Moravian College Department of Athletics & Recreation's Get to Know Series is former women's basketball student-athlete Kate Harrison from the Class of 2010. Harrison was named the Landmark All-Conference First Team as a junior and senior and the Second Team as a sophomore. She scored 1,134 points in her career, which is currently 18th in program history.
Kate Harrison
Class: 2010
How did you choose the sport you played when you were growing up? I don't know if I necessarily chose basketball or basketball chose me. I am the youngest of eight children, all of whom are athletes. From an early age, I tagged along to many of my siblings' basketball games and practices. I would watch from the sidelines and aspired to become as good as them one day. There was a hoop in our driveway, which always full of pick-up games, horse and extremely competitive games of 21. For me, I was always the youngest and therefore smallest. I worked hard to be able to compete with my siblings and eventually developed a true passion for the sport of basketball.
Why did you choose to come to Moravian College? It was always a dream of mine to play collegiate basketball. My sister lived in the Lehigh Valley area, which sparked my interest in Moravian. Upon looking into Moravian, I discovered they had an excellent teaching program which was my first passion when I entered college. I contacted Coach Spirk and the rest is history.
What experiences as a student-athlete at Moravian helped prepare you for life after college? Managing school and basketball was very challenging at times. Between class, student teaching and practices/games, it wasn't easy. There were times where I would be exhausted but had to continue to push myself to my maximum potential. Those experiences have indefinitely prepared me in maintaining and achieving a work life balance today.
How did you get into your current occupation? I originally majored in Elementary Education and Psychology. One of my very good friends was majoring in nursing. Hearing her stories and the many opportunities of nursing, I started to look into it as a career path. Post graduating Moravian College, I enrolled in a 15-month accelerated nursing program at DeSales University. From there I worked at Lehigh Valley Hospital and since have moved to New York City, where I currently work at NYU Hospital.
As a nurse, how has your job changed since March with the pandemic? Being an ICU nurse during the pandemic has not been easy. In the beginning, it was survival mode. No one knew much of anything about the disease process of Covid or the transmission. Our hospital was overwhelmed by the amount of ICU level of patients and as nurses we were pushed to our limits. However, I am grateful for my coworkers and job security. Numbers have gone down and I all I can hope is that we are better prepared for the next wave. We have successfully developed better precautions and new norms, which is the best anyone can do given the current situation.
What was your favorite place on campus? My favorite spot would have to be the hub. I have countless memories of hanging out with friends, eating food and getting to know people. There is nothing more I love than socializing and eating.
What activities/organizations were you involved in at Moravian College as a student-athlete? If I wasn't busy with school or basketball, I usually spent my free time with friends. I loved having a social life, meeting different people and being open to new experiences. I made sure to make the most out my time at Moravian socially, educationally and athletically. It was an honor of mine to be able to achieve academic dean's list while at Moravian.
What was your most memorable moment at Moravian? Winning the Landmark championship. My teammates and I worked incredibly hard to achieve that goal and it was always a dream of ours to be champions. Cutting down the net on our home court was the best way to end my collegiate basketball career.
What advice do you have for prospective student-athletes looking to attend Moravian College? College will be some of the best years of your life. It will go by fast, so seize each and every moment and enjoy it. Work hard and play even harder, this mentality will leave you with little to no regrets. Although you may face some difficult times and losses, these will all be learning experiences that will help you develop into the best version of yourself. Take advantage of practices and games, because these are your last true years of competitive play.
What advice do you have for current student-athletes as they approach graduation? Fully enjoy the end of your senior year and try to get as much out of it as you can. This isn't an end, but a new beginning to the next chapter in your life.
What is the best piece of advice you've been given? My uncle was working at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Unfortunately, he lost two of his best friends and recently wrote a memoir of his experience. In it he wrote "Your worst day can lead to beautiful days ahead. Just have the faith and strength to persevere. Try not to complain and say that life is not fair, because it's not but it is beautiful. So, cherish every day, good and bad and make the best out of the gift of life!" This is especially important for me to remember during this time.
Who are your role models/most influential people? My parents and siblings are by far the most influential people in my life. However, the best role model in my life was and still is my brother Peter. My brother passed when I was 14 and he was 19. He was a carefree soul with a heart of gold, an amazing athlete and quite possibly the best person I ever came across. I strive to follow the life he led. Without him, I wouldn't be the person I am today!
Which three people, living or dead, would you like to share a meal with? Going off of the last response, my brother Peter would be someone I would love to share a meal with! I wish I was able to say some last words to him and enjoy more laughs with him! My Dad would be another person I would love to share a meal with! He always gave the best advice and I wish he was able to give me some more words of wisdom. The third person would be Larry Bird. I always admired him as a player and even though he's passed my generation, I would still love to discuss the game of basketball with him!
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people. I've already mentioned this, but many are surprised when they hear that I have 7 older siblings. Although growing up was crazy, I love having a big family!
Quick Hits:
Favorite Color – Purple
Favorite Food – Pizza
Favorite Restaurant – Lillia (NYC Italian)
Favorite Movie – Shawshank Redemption
Favorite TV Show – Curb Your Enthusiasm
Favorite Musical Artist – Celine Dion
Favorite Athlete – Larry Bird
Favorite Pro Team – Lakers
Hobbies – Working out, hanging with friends/family, and of course I still love playing basketball when I can!
Most Prized Possession – My Tempurpedic bed is the best investment I've ever made. I love a good night's sleep!
Ideal Travel Destination – Amsterdam
Your Spirit Animal – Tiger
Superpower you'd Like to Have – Speed, so I can travel anywhere as fast as possible and never have to worry about being late!
