Cambridge, Mass. (July 14) -- As part of a series that will take part throughout the 2020 fall semester, the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) will be featuring a number of head coaches and DAPER staff members. The first installment of this series features softball head coach Brooke Kalman, who enters her third season at MIT in 2020-21.
As part of each feature, we have included a written question and answer session, along with a video interview where recruits, alumni, fans and others can learn more about the program and MIT. If you can't currently visit MIT, we will bring MIT to you!
Q: Where are you from originally?
A: Newtown Square, Pa., which is right outside of Philadelphia.
Q: What sports did you play when you were growing up?
A: I played field hockey, basketball and softball. I also dabbled in a little tennis, only because I didn't want to do the running field hockey entailed. I played several years of little league baseball before making the transition to softball.
Q: Where did you go to college?
A: My undergrad is from Gettysburg College and my graduate degree is from Villanova University.
Q: What was your most memorable college experience?
A: My most memorable college experience was our Centennial Conference post-season run my sophomore year. We had a great team on the field, and off the field it was one of the closest teams I have ever been part of. We clinched a spot in the post-season the last possible day of regular-season play, and I will never forget when our coach told us – we were in! Although we didn't win the conference that year, that was a season I will never forget.
I would say however my entire college playing experience was amazing. I played with amazing people who have become like family. I had three coaches in my four years at Gettysburg, and while it felt like we were constantly in transition, I think it always made us stronger. I also loved all of the coaches I had, and I still talk to each of them on almost a weekly basis. My experience at Gettysburg was just incredible.
Q: Where did you work before you came to MIT?
A: I was lucky to be hired right out of college as an assistant coach at Ursinus College, also in the Centennial Conference. I was incredibly lucky to work under the coach who recruited me to Gettysburg and coached me my first two seasons of college. While at Ursinus, I also worked in their Student Life Division as a practicum level mental health counselor. It was a great experience! It was at Ursinus that I really learned all of the innerworkings of a college campus, not just Athletics.
After two years at Ursinus, and with my graduate work complete, I accepted my first head coaching job at Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin. This position was also coupled with being an Admission counselor. It was a huge career and personal life move for me, and while I was only at Ripon for one season, I credit most of what I know now to that experience. It really opened up my recruiting and professional networks and helped me gain the confidence to be a head softball coach. I met amazing people in the Midwest, and will always consider myself a Red Hawk, without Ripon I don't think I would be where I currently am.
My final stop before making it to MIT was at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. F&M afforded me the chance to be back in the conference that I played in, and I am thankful for that.
Q: What has been your favorite part about being part of the Cambridge community?
A: Cambridge is simply an amazing place with some amazing people. The work that happens in Cambridge is work that is truly life changing. I am surrounded by some amazing people on a daily basis.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Silver Linings Playbook! When I lived in Wisconsin, and now that I am once again away from my family, I watch the movie about once every other month. I reminds me of home, and does a great job of depicting the area I am from and it also does a great job of showing what the people are like!
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: This is a tough one, I am a HUGE reader! Some of my favorites – The Hunger Games series, The Girl on the Train, Huck, The Nightingale, anything by James Paterson!
Q: What do you do to relax when you are in season?
A: Me, relax in season? Just kidding! When we are in our six day a week practice cycle in February, I love to just come back from a Saturday practice, order some food in, and then settle in with a nice book or watch a college basketball game. Our season usually overlaps with college basketball, and I am a huge fan of college basketball, especially Villanova basketball!. Sundays are usually our off day, and since I am still new to Cambridge I will use Sundays to find a new area of Cambridge or Boston to walk around. I also attempt to bake, which I know my colleagues love hearing about my baking disasters – accidently using cumin instead of cinnamon for blueberry muffins or my banana bread coming out totally raw.
Q: What is your favorite professional sports team?
A: I love all Philadelphia sports! If I had to pick a favorite it would be the Phillies! I actually got to witness the 2008 World Series clincher in person with my mom and dad. It was an experience I will never forget.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: Never settle!
Q: What shows have you started watching since we have been working from home?
A: I have gone through a lot, as I like to have the TV on for background noise! One show I really got into was Designated Survivor. I also watched the first season of Sweet Magnolias and can't wait for the second season! Some of my guilty pleasures are Siesta Key and Summer House.
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