UMBC Alumni Spotlight Raven harris : women's basketball '12 & '14

Major: media and communications studies

MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING: EARLY CHILDHOOD

Career Honors

America East Regular Season Champion

UMBC Single-Season Steals Record (109)

Second Team All-America East

America East All-Defensive Team

Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association Scholar-Athlete Team

what are you up to now?

Principal at Meade Middle School, and also I am the commentator for UMBC Women's Basketball broadcasts on ESPN.

What is the coolest thing about what you do?

I love getting to see students chase their dreams, try new things, and accomplish their goals.

What's been your favorite moment at your job?

My favorite moment(s) are field trips I get to go on with kids. One being midday madness at UMBC. I’ve taken my kids every year I’ve been in education. Students get to learn more about me, learn about a great University, watch a game, and have fun together.

How did UMBC prepare you for life after college?

UMBC prepared me by teaching me how to navigate adversity, how to step outside my comfort zone, and how to compete. I was able to meet a variety of people who exposed me to different experiences that helped me view the world from a new lens. When I see old classmates, there is always a memory or connection that still feels like time hasn’t passed.

What's your favorite UMBC memory?

Senior night, my fifth year. Being with my family, playing the sport I love, and celebrating/ looking back on the journey that me and my fellow seniors (Kristin, Brittany, Kim) had been on.

What do you miss most about UMBC?

Unlimited meals at D-Hall, groceries are no joke !...But, a more serious answer is that I miss the peace (unknown at the time) that came with being in college. Being free to just explore life, make mistakes, meet new people, and have fun, all in one loop.

Photos: Raven Harris