Instructional Studies Alumna Maeve Gallagher is a Women's Basketball Coach and Adjunct Professor

Meet Maeve Gallagher '13

Job Title & Employer: Assistant women's basketball coach and adjunct professor, Seton Hill University
Major/Program: Instructional Studies
Minor: English
College Activities: Women's basketball, soccer, softball and Student Athlete Advisory Committee
Hometown: Brookline, Pa.; Perry Traditional Academy
Now Living In: Greensburg, Pa.
Hobbies & Interests: DIY house projects

"Coaching and teaching at the collegiate level is a dream of a career, and I believe Point Park gave me the foundation for both. The School of Education put such an emphasis on experiential learning and that preparation was immeasurably beneficial in my development as an educator. Learning from faculty who have real-world experience in the field was also a major benefit."

Maeve Gallagher '13

What have you been up to since graduating from Point Park?

I’ve been extremely fortunate to have worked in college coaching since graduation, surrounded by great mentors throughout my career. I started in women’s soccer at the University of Mount Union, where I enjoyed some historic seasons, but basketball was where my head and heart were. I made the switch to basketball at Washington & Jefferson, where I was extremely blessed to learn under Coach Jina DeRubbo during a formative chapter in my coaching career. Following W&J, I coached at Longwood University in Virginia and gained great experience. I worked a year back at W&J in between, and I just finished my first year at Seton Hill University. In addition to coaching the women's basketball team, I am an adjunct professor teaching Seton Hill's freshman seminar course, Connections. Being able to teach and coach is an outstanding opportunity to expand my identity and role on campus. A college campus is such a diverse community and being more than a basketball coach allows me to really be a part of the university as a whole.

You're also the athletics diversity and inclusion designee at your campus. What does that entail?

This role gives me the opportunity to grow as a leader and take action to better our community. I attend trainings, workshops, guest lectures and more that provide me with specific tools to inform my advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion on campus and in the world. We are actively engaged with our surrounding communities and neighboring schools to create safe spaces for all.

How has your degree in instructional studies benefited you in your various coaching roles?

Coaching is educating. I realized that early on. I still have schoolbooks I reference from my time studying education. It is not lost on me how critical our influence is on student-athletes at such a developmental part of their lives. Coaching and teaching at the collegiate level is a dream of a career, and I believe Point Park gave me the foundation for both. The School of Education put such an emphasis on experiential learning and that preparation was immeasurably beneficial in my development as an educator. Learning from faculty who have real-world experience in the field was also a major benefit.

Were there any faculty members who had a significant impact on your Point Park experience?

I was blessed to learn from many influential faculty at Point Park. Darlene Marnich, Ph.D., was genuinely invested in my success and was a significant resource while navigating college. She cares about her students so much. Other positive influences included Karen Dwyer, Ph.D., and P.K. Weston, Ed.D. They made me realize what I wanted to do with my career. They saw me as a person first, and that really made a difference in my life.

Outside of the classroom, my coaches Tony Grenek and Michelle Coultas were outstanding role models when I needed them most. They’re both still such impactful people in my life, and I thank Point Park for bringing us together.

What are your favorite Point Park memories?

I met my lifelong friends here, and it's where I met my wife, Taylor (Roddy) Gallagher, who played on the women's volleyball team. But what will always stand out in my mind is defeating Daemen University at the buzzer to win the regular season championship for women's basketball. April Austin hit the shot off my screen right in front of my late mother, who was an honorary coach that game. I’ll never forget making eye contact with her right after that moment.

Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?

Point Park is all family and community. That’s the key for me. It offers a unique campus environment and experiences to prepare students for successful careers. I became friends with dancers and musical theatre majors from all over the world. I had amazing peers and teammates, and now I get to see them accomplish their career goals and start families. I had mentors who I could call at any point. I formed strong, genuine relationships at Point Park. I learned an immense amount about myself and what I could contribute to help student-athletes and so many others during my time at Point Park. I will always be grateful and honored to say I am a Point Park alumna.

Instructional Studies Alumna Maeve Gallagher is a Women's Basketball Coach and Adjunct Professor Alumni Profile