Coach Huffman, this week’s Campus Celebrity, has been the head coach of DePauw University women’s basketball team for more than 20 years. Her girls are ranked No. 1 in the nation with a 25-0 record for the regular season, and they are headed to the NCAA Divison III championship tournament.
HerCampus: So you just had your alumni game. How was it having so many players back?
Coach Huffman: We had a great turnout for our alumni game this past Saturday. It is always good to see the former players and catch up. We had one alum fly in from Denver and another from NYC. It was a wonderful night of basketball and storytelling. At times, it felt a little like a roast. I don’t remember the “stories” the same way the players do.
HC: What sets this year’s team apart from teams in years past?
Huffman: The 2012-2013 team is a very special group. Having been at DePauw for 20 seasons, this team sets itself apart in many ways. They are the hardest working team I have ever coached. A team with great depth and team chemistry, they have a fight in them that is admirable. This special fight comes from their ability to prepare and their competitiveness.
HC: How does it compare to the 2007 National Championship Team?
Huffman: There are some similarities to the 2007 National Championship team. That team also had great depth and team chemistry. Both teams work hard on the defensive end and take pride in their ability to rebound the ball.
HC: What will this team have to do to make it to the National Championship?
Huffman: Sometimes we make winning look easy, but there isn’t anything easy about it. In order to have a chance to win it all, we will need to get hot at the right time…stay healthy…and get lucky.
HC: What has been your greatest memory so far this year?
Huffman: The greatest memory of the season is our trip to Puerto Rico. We played two tough games against ranked opponents. The team had tremendous focus and fought for two wins. But, the best part was watching the team interact with each other. The trip played a large role in developing our team chemistry.
HC: What was the funniest thing that’s every happened at practice or in a game any?
Huffman: One of the funniest moments happened at halftime several years ago. After my halftime talk. All the players left the locker room, except one player lagged behind. She was kind enough to tell me my zipper was down. Needless to say, the players didn’t hear anything I said during my talk.
HC: What is your favorite movie to watch on the bus?
Huffman: It has been a good movie year on the bus. My favorite movie from this season is Pitch Perfect.
HC: If you weren’t coaching basketball, what other career could you see yourself doing?
Huffman: My graduate degree is in Health Promotion Fitness Management. I could see myself helping others with their fitness and nutrition. The other area I enjoyed in school was Math, so I could see myself doing something in accounting.
HC: Well, we couldn’t be happier you decided to coach! When did you know you wanted to be a basketball coach?
Huffman: I had great coaches in junior high and high school who positively influenced my life. However, I wanted to be a physical therapist. I played Division I basketball and had to choose between my athletic scholarship and taking the necessary science classes and labs. I opted to play basketball and change my major. It was in graduate school that I realized I wanted to be a college coach, after working as an assistant at Wartburg College.
HC: Who do try to most emulate as a coach and why?
Huffman: I don’t know that I try to emulate anyone as a coach. I have gathered ideas and philosophies from my coaches, as well as all the coaching greats. Pat Summitt (former Tennessee coach and the coach with the most wins in the nation) and Tara Vanderveer (Stanford) are two that I really admire. Both are great teachers of the game and respected by all.
HC: What advice would you give current student athletes searching for careers after basketball?
Huffman: As you search for your career, know what will make you happy. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box to find that happiness. Know you probably will not have your dream job right away. The competition is great. Remember the lessons you learned as a basketball player…preparation, work ethic, teamwork, leadership, etc. Put those qualities into action on your new team and help shape your future. Regardless of your job, big or small, LEAVE YOUR SIGNATURE.
HC: What are three words that define your historic career thus far at DePauw University?
Huffman: Challenging…Successful….Growth.