Jon Lambert

Coach Profile: Jennifer Harnett

10/7/2020 1:23:00 PM

By: Norman Yacko

Every Wednesday, TCNJ Athletics will profile a coach from one of its programs. Today is head women's swimming and diving coach Jennifer Harnett '93. The TCNJ alum is entering her 20th season as head coach for the Lions, and has compiled a 107-62 record on her way to 10 NJAC titles and eight MET championships.

You are now entering your 20^th season coaching at TCNJ following a four-year career as a student-athlete at the College. What is it about TCNJ that keeps you coming back year after year and what initially brought you back?

TCNJ is home. When you come down Green Lane and see the tops of Towers over the trees or see the front entrance sign on Rt. 31, there is just feeling like "I'm home". I love what I do and I love the people I get to do it with.

What initially brought me back was that my former coach, Coach Campbell, was retiring. I was working another job, but it wasn't my passion. I had never been so nervous about getting a job before because there wasn't as much at stake. I appreciate every day that I get to coach as a career, that I get to do it at TCNJ, and that I get to do with so many great staff, faculty, and students.

You are a seven-time MET Coach of the Year and seven-time NJAC Coach of the Year. What is the key to your success?

First and foremost is the amazing student-athletes that have represented TCNJ Swimming & Diving through the years. I would not have been as successful if it wasn't for them wanting the program to be successful.

Next, I would say that I am always learning and tweaking. Whether it is from seminars, other coaches and even the athletes, what I do each season is based on experiences and knowledge of what is changing in the sport and what my team needs that year.

Last, I would say I encourage my athletes to have fun. Times and wins are important, but when you are having fun it's more memorable and you tend to do better because there is positive energy and you are more relaxed.

What is it about TCNJ that sets itself apart from other colleges and athletic programs?

Besides all the accomplishments TCNJ has from the academic, athletics and campus points of view, I would have to say what sets us apart is the pride that TCNJ has. You can see it as you walk around campus and in how happy the students are. You hear it from the alumni as well. As an athlete, it truly means something to put on that TCNJ uniform and they want to represent athletics in the best way possible. I think that shows in all the programs on the campus beyond athletics. When I bring recruits on campus the students sell the school probably better than anyone.

What are some of the top memories and moments from your coaching career?

I have all levels of memories from the big ones like Ava Kiss and Danica Roskos winning at NCAA championships and all the other NCAA accomplishments we have, to MET championships and close dual meets that came down to the last events. Recently, winning the last three events at METS this past year stands out as a true highlight.

But some of memories that always bring a smile are the personal ones – team locker room talks that when I hear that song on the radio, it reminds me of decorations, costumes, and the classes that did them; practice challenges and who exceeded their own expectations; dinners at my house; and senior days – those are always a hard day for me yet some of my proudest memories.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your coaching career?

I think this pandemic has been the biggest challenge. There has been disappointment, anxiety, emotions, and uncertainty that have never been at this level in my career. As coaches you plan and plan some more for all scenarios. This is a hard one to plan around, but I think the team is doing a great job of taking it one day at a time.

Who are some of the people that have helped you the most in your career?

There have been so many people. I am blessed to be in a sport that is very nurturing for coaches. There are coaches that knew me as swimmer that now mentor me in coaching. I feel like even in our own conference we have a great exchange of ideas that can range from training, to philosophy, to how to handle situations. That also extends into the TCNJ athletic department. There is a wealth of knowledge here on our own campus and it's nice to go down the hall if I have a question or want to run something by another coach. My family has also been very supportive. I have crazy hours, but they know I love what I do.

You coach a sport that is focused on individual results. How to you instill and keep a focus on the team aspect of the sport?

We had a saying painted in our locker room from the previous coach before it was redone. "An individual can make a difference, a team can make a miracle," and I still reference that every year when our season starts. Our philosophy is about the team and pushing each other give 100% of what they have that day. Some days it may be better than others. It's on those off days that you need your teammates and the days you are on, maybe you are the one bringing someone up with you that needed it. I also think our captains do a great job each year with some type of theme for the season encouraging a team focus and leading by example with that in mind.

Outside of coaching, what would people find interesting about your day-to-day life?

I am kind of a DIY'er. I love learning how to do things. My husband always gets nervous when I go the hardware store because he's afraid I might buy another tool or something for the house.

Is there anything you would like to say to all of the student-athletes that you have coached?

I think about all of you at some point during the season. There are so many great and fun memories from each and every one of you. Sometimes it happens when I'm working with a current student-athlete, sometimes it's when I'm going through old photos or practices with notes on them. I have been so fortunate to have so many Lions to be proud of. Thank you for not only the memories, but contributing to the program's success and the legacy that has been built. You have made a difference in my life.

Extra Point: (Asked by last week's coaches profile, Dean Glus) How have you tried to stay in shape and eat well during the pandemic and quarantine?

I was swimming at the local outdoor pool a few days a week. I miss it now that it's closed for the season. My husband is working from home as well so we go on walks and I really enjoy the time to catch up and just talk. What has also been a positive during this is that we are not having dinner at 9 p.m. due to our schedules which I feel is much healthier.

Pose a question you would like to hear answered by our next coach.

What is one thing you have learned through your years of coaching?

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