From the courts of Bryn Mawr College to her extensive experience as a high school counselor to her undeniable passion for the game, Coach Carla Coleman's story is a testament to the transformative power of sport and mentorship.

To Coach Coleman, basketball has had a boundless influence on her life, describing how "Earning a scholarship to play basketball at a university like Penn State gave a kid like me hope. I will always be grateful and pay it forward. My Penn State coach would say to us before we ran out on the court, 'Remember who you are and what you represent. WE ARE…' To whom much is given, much will be required."

Recognizing her exceptional contributions to the basketball world, the Pittsburgh Basketball Club has chosen to honor Coach Coleman in the 2023 "Legends" Hall of Fame Class, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of Western Pennsylvania's basketball excellence. This prestigious induction acknowledges her as an individual who has set an exceptionally high standard for players and coaches, underscoring her lasting impact on the basketball community.

After the induction ceremony this past weekend on November 4th, Coach Coleman shared with us her experience, explaining how "There was a level of excitement, humility, and gratitude from the inductees on the impact our coaches and families had on our success as athletes, students, and on our personal development." There were so many emotions, but specifically, "There was so much pride in [the] room being former athletes from the Pittsburgh area and hearing the impact it has had on Women's Basketball in the state of Pennsylvania." It was a beautiful moment of celebrating and congratulating years of hard work and dedication.

Before her role as the 12^th head coach of the Owls basketball program, she spent three seasons as an assistant coach for the team, gaining valuable experience in shaping the young talents under her coaching. Her influence extended beyond the collegiate level, as Coach Coleman had served as a high school counselor at Harriton High School for over two decades. Coach Coleman's coaching pedigree also includes significant stints at the prep and AAU levels, making her a well-rounded force in basketball development. However, her playing days at Penn State University from 1990 to 1995 laid the foundation for her passion for basketball. As a two-year starter for the Lady Lions, Coach Coleman captured titles in the Atlantic 10 and the Big Ten, leaving a trail of success in her wake. Her participation in the 19U USA Basketball Team showcased her dedication to excellence.

Coach Coleman has many astonishing achievements, but life did not come without its tests. In her opinion, her biggest challenge was living in poverty. She felt that "Having very little growing up can be debilitating and, at times, feeling like there is no way out." But she continued pursuing her passions, with her mom as "her biggest cheerleader," stressing Coach Coleman's education since she was little. She explained, "If I brought home a C, I had to explain it! I think that message she gave me set me up for success beyond basketball. I played the game because I loved it. I didn't know that it would eventually change my life."

Coach Coleman earned her bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Services Education with a minor in Health Education from Penn State in 1995, followed by a master's degree in Secondary Education/School Counseling in 1997 from the same institution. In 2015, she completed her doctorate in Human Services with a Specialization in Counseling Studies at Capella University, further highlighting her dedication to personal and academic growth – her proudest moment, saying, "To work full-time and coach was not very easy to do. But to hear these words, 'Congratulations, Coach Coleman,' in my defense, brought tears to my eyes." 

"??There were so many great basketball players coming out of the greater Pittsburgh area," and Coach Coleman is "humbled and honored to join them as the class of 2023." While at the Pittsburgh Basketball Club, she felt an impact like no other. She "was very fortunate to play for a coach, Mr. Grayson, who expected excellence in the classroom and on the court. Being late was not tolerated, as he was molding [everyone] with good habits that he felt [they] needed beyond basketball." Many of the kids came from "single-parent households," but Mr. Grayson acted as the father most of the kids did not have. She feels "really blessed to have great coaches and teachers throughout high school," believing her "experiences with all of them are what led [her] to become an educator and a coach."

Coach Coleman's induction into the Pittsburgh Basketball Club Hall of Fame is a tribute to her unwavering dedication to the sport and the countless lives she has touched throughout her remarkable journey. As we celebrate her well-deserved recognition, we also honor the enduring influence she continues to exert on the game of basketball and the broader community.

Coach Coleman is far from done. As the Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee (ADID), she will commence her third season as Head Coach of the Bryn Mawr College Basketball team on November 9th against Valley Forge. Lastly, she wants you to always remember, "Don't be afraid to be your authentic self. At times, we try to conform to what others want us to be. Do you and be you!"