TicketsMay 2, 2012
By Joseph Gryniewski
Haley Marvine is living out her dream. Only one year removed from her playing days, the former Bearcat has begun to reflect on her career at the University of Cincinnati, and how it has opened doors for her life that she never could have imagined.
Marvine was a member of the first women's lacrosse team at UC, and she felt the growing pains that every program experiences during its first few seasons. Being the daughter of a lacrosse coach, these challenges didn't faze Marvine. She was excited to join the new program and help it grow in any way that she could - which for her, meant starting all four years and spending the majority of her career at goalkeeper.
Because of her love of lacrosse, Marvine had it in her mind that her graduation would not spell the end of her career in the game that she adores. She graduated with a sports administration degree and coached numerous lacrosse camps in hopes of possibly landing a coaching job after her glory days in Cincinnati were over.
"It was definitely the plan," Marvine said. "While I was at UC I did a lot of coaching, and having a father that is a coach definitely helped groom me for the role."
However, she never expected her opportunity would come so soon. After graduating in June of 2011, Marvine received an offer from Transylvania University that she couldn't refuse. She was given the opportunity to help the Pioneers build the foundation for its new lacrosse program, much like the program upstart she had been a part of at UC just four years earlier.
"It was awesome, I was so fortunate to get such a great opportunity," Marvine said. "It's really tough to start a new program, but it is a lot of fun, too."
Her experience on the field didn't hurt either.
"Being a four-year player helped me 100 percent and helps me relate to my players now," Marvine said. "Also my degree at UC in sports management helped prepare me for the role that I am in now."
While Marvine is living her dream as a coach, the former Bearcat still keeps a close eye on her alma mater.
"I loved being a Bearcat, I really loved it, and I'm still a huge Bearcats fan," Marvine said. "I definitely keep in close contact with some of the girls on the team. I have been to a four or five games this season, too."
However, going to the games is a little bittersweet for the first-year coach.
"I really miss being out there with my teammates," Marvine said. "The whole atmosphere of UC is just awesome - the team, Varsity Village and going to every game is what makes me wish I had a fifth year of eligibility."
While her playing days are long over, it is just the beginning for Marvine, whose Transylvania's lacrosse program is now in the final stages of preparation. Under her leadership, the Pioneers will take the field for the first time in the Spring of 2013.