Assistant women's basketball coach Carla McGhee shoots to make a difference in the team both on and off the court.
McGhee has been assistant coach for three seasons.
Before coming to Auburn, she worked in the WNBA office and later coached for South Carolina.
"I love this game--basketball has been great to me, but at the end of the day, it's a game," McGhee said. "I'm hoping it's a game that's going to help prepare everybody for life."
McGhee said being a coach is both challenging and fulfilling.
She said she wants to make a difference in the lives of women.
"I think we have a great group of young ladies here," McGhee said. "I always look at them like they are coming in as young girls, and when they leave here in four years, I want them to be women. They understand what it's going to take to be successful in the world."
McGhee said one of the most rewarding aspects of being a coach is seeing the athletes grow and be successful.
"Coach McGhee is pretty awesome," said Chantel Hilliard, junior in political science. "I like her intensity when we are out there on court. She brings out the best in people, so when you are having a low practice or something, she'll pick you up."
McGhee got her start in basketball when she was in seventh grade because she was taller than her classmates, including the boys.
"I did it not really being serious, not even understanding the magnitude of what it could lead to, and I was good," McGhee said. "Basically, I would say my junior year in high school, it hit me that people were saying that, 'This kid is something special.'"
McGhee later went on to be a member of the U.S. women's national basketball team in 1996, where she won an Olympic gold medal.
However, her experience isn't the only thing she contributes to the team.
"She's very energetic and exciting to have on the court, especially with those 5 a.m. workouts when everybody is basically half asleep still," said Jassany Williams, freshman in radio, television and film. "She really brings a lot of energy to the practices."
McGhee also has a 12-year-old son, who she says influences her decisions and her ability as a coach.
McGhee said she believes she has more empathy and compassion because she is a mom.
"I look at it like I'm more than a coach," McGhee said. "Some days I'm a parent, some days I'm a counselor, some days they just need someone they can talk to. Some days I'm a disciplinarian--'I've got to tell you, you were wrong, and we are gonna get it right.' Some days I might just be their big sister, and some days I'm invisible."
McGhee said she has done her job if she can encompass all those roles.
Off the court, McGhee said she enjoys shopping, reading and bowling, and also tries to reach out to close friends and family.
McGhee claims family values steered her career and is the reason she ended up at Auburn.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
