Long-time Penn State fans know her as the "Flyin' Lion" - characterized by her quickness, tenacity, high-level effort, and determination to win. Carla Coleman '95, MEd '97, certainly made her mark on the basketball court as a Lady Lion and has used those same attributes to live a life of impact beyond her time at Penn State.
Coleman helped guide the Lady Lions to two Big Ten Championships, an Atlantic 10 title, and a No. 1 ranking during her four years as a standout 5-7 guard on the Penn State women's basketball team from 1991-95. Coleman earned a bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Services Education from Penn State in 1995 before earning a master's degree from Counselor Education from Penn State in 1997 and then going onto earn a Ph.D. in Human Services with a specialization in Counseling Studies from Capella University.
Fast forward to now, and Coleman's impact is still being felt by many as a high school counselor and board member of "Racism Has No Home Here", a nationally-recognized movement aimed at combatting racism in communities across the country.
Following an uncharacteristic Big Ten loss in January of 1995 that preceded the Lady Lions going on to win their second-straight Big Ten title and a earn a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, former head coach Rene Portland touched on Coleman's leadership role on the team in an interview with The Daily Collegian.
"She very calmly sat down and explained the tradition of Lady Lion basketball without any prompting from the coaches," Portland said of Coleman's talk with the team. "People like Carla refused to allow this program to lose one more game."
Fast forward, and Coleman still carries around her positive demeanor and relentless work ethic to Lower Merion School District in Montgomery County, Pa., where she works as a high school counselor, while making time for her passion projects as well.
"I was one of those kids who came through high school and didn't have the greatest experience with their school counselor," Coleman said. "So, I asked myself what can I do to help those students who may have had a similar experience?"
Coleman is able to draw many parallels between playing basketball at a high level to working with young adults as a counselor.
"I really use my background as an athlete to help my students develop those personal skills on how to forgive themselves, for example, when they don't get the grade they wanted on an exam, but also how can I help them use these same skills so that they don't seem themselves as a failure?" Coleman said. "There will be times when we fail but we also need to understand that we have to learn and grow from those experiences as well."
Moreover, the Flyin Lion's mindset and competitiveness that she brought to the court has helped her to not only provide insightful guidance to a diverse student population, but also in her efforts with "Racism Has No Home Here".
Following the tragic death of George Floyd, Coleman's college roommate, Jen Schatzman, started the organization with the goal of inspiring others to fight social injustice and strive for equality.
"I'm very blessed and lucky that she wanted me to be a board member," Coleman said. "I graciously accepted because anything that will help bring some light to this cause and get people really thinking about how to make this country better…I'm on board."
What started out locally in her town, with residents ordering signs that read "Racism Has No Home Here" and putting them on their lawns, Schatzman's initiative has transcended into a nationally-recognized movement.
The signs have now reached over 30 states, in addition to Washington, D.C. and Canada. Moreover, "Racism Has No Home Here" has a full team helping to develop content to empower parents and young adults on their journey to being anti-racist, and is collaborating with an established Los Angeles-based artist to design merchandise to increase awareness and raise money for scholarships for students of color.
"It just began as a small initiative to get people talking and having a conversation about race, and racism and how it affects you," Coleman said. "And all of a sudden, more people wanted to be a part of what Jen was starting. I don't even think Jen realized that what she started with individuals putting signs on their lawns would start this kind of movement."
Coleman and the other board members each shared the reason why this initiative is important to them via social media posts.
"We are going to continue the conversation and create a space where people can join in solidarity to make sure racism loses it's home," Coleman said in her post. "And my WHY would be because of my Mom. We grew up with very little money and she told me no matter how successful I become it should always be about what's in a person's heart not the amount of money in their wallet. That's why I want everyone to know that Racism Has No Home in my house because the FOUNDATION, the STUDS, and the JOISTS are built on love and acceptance for all people."
Coleman has also enjoyed connecting with head coach Carolyn Kieger and the current Lady Lions, who have illustrated the importance of conversations surrounding change and social injustice through their #IgniteTheCHANGE initiative.
"It's been wonderful getting to know them, it's been wonderful getting to know their level of commitment not only academically and athletically, but also connecting us as alumni to this team," Coleman said. "I applaud them for their intentionality and the work that they're doing to move this program in the right direction."
It's clear that the same skills and work ethic Coleman showed off on the court as a member of the elite 1990s Penn State teams have transcended into her daily life and her mission to continue to make an impact on those around her.
"'Can't' is never in my vocabulary," Coleman said. "I'm okay with losing, but I'm not okay with it if I didn't give 100%."
