Serving Up Insights: Iowa Volleyball Letterwinner Takes on New Role
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Reghan Coyle Harmer and John Evans on the sidelines during Iowa's volleyball match against Washington on Oct. 4.
It started as a one-time gig for Reghan (Coyle) Harmer (21PHR).
Now, the four-year letterwinner for Iowa volleyball has renewed her love for the sport while serving as color analyst for the Hawkeye Radio Network. Harmer says it’s a great way to support the program while helping provide top-quality coverage to listeners.
“Being a former player, I know that a lot of family members and friends rely on streaming opportunities to listen to volleyball games—and the experiences are even better when the announcers know the sports,” says Harmer. “I try to bring a unique perspective to the match as a former Iowa player. I also love that I’m giving back and staying connected to the program.”
We caught up with Harmer to learn more about her passion for volleyball, her path to Iowa, and her work with Hawkeye Radio Network.
When did you start playing volleyball?
I started playing at the YMCA in Council Bluffs, Iowa, when I was nine years old. My older cousin also played, and I always looked up to her. I also fell in love with the team aspect of the sport.
How did you end up choosing to play volleyball at Iowa?
When I began my recruiting process in high school, I wanted to pursue playing at the highest level at a Division I school. I started reaching out to schools and realized many teams’ recruiting classes were already full. I decided to consider walking on. I grew up a Hawkeye fan, and after attending a camp and visiting campus, I fell in love. I loved the city, the team, and the coaching staff, and I wanted the pursue the opportunity to play in one of the best conferences in college volleyball. They offered me a walk-on spot and later earned a scholarship. I’m forever grateful for my experience as a student-athlete at Iowa.
What’s your favorite moment from your time on the Iowa volleyball team?
One of my favorite games was when I was a senior, and we upset Wisconsin at home when they were ranked No. 6. It was a five-set thriller in front of an electric crowd at Carver, and it was the program’s first win against Wisconsin in almost 10 years. Aside from that win, my favorite memories are from all the travel trips and spending time with my teammates. I’m still close friends with many of them, and I will cherish those memories forever.
You work full-time as a pediatric clinical pharmacist at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital. What led you to becoming a pharmacist?
I grew up loving math and science—and I had an interest in working in health care. I wanted to pursue a profession that was not very invasive but that was also specialized and valuable. I enjoy helping people, and the world of medicine is always changing. As a pharmacist, I’m able to be a part of the health care team, provide direct patient care, and constantly learn new things. Being a pharmacist at Stead Family Children’s Hospital is particularly rewarding because I’m able to provide care to our smallest patients at one of the best children’s hospitals in the U.S.
How did you end up starting to work for the Hawkeye Radio Network?
They were looking for a guest color analyst for one of their home games, and Emily Sparks—who was on staff while I was on the team—asked if I wanted to be a guest announcer. I went on for a game with John Evans (91BBA), the play-by-play announcer for Iowa volleyball and baseball. Knowing the sport, I felt comfortable jumping right in and found out that I really enjoyed it. I started doing it more, and now I just finished up doing all Big Ten home games this season.
How much preparation is involved with being a color analyst?
I do a little bit of research before each game, but most of it is being in-tune with the Big Ten teams, players, and finding some fun facts. I enjoy watching college volleyball, so I’m usually up to speed on the opponent already. John really does so much of the work. He does a great job of knowing every player’s name—not just Iowa—and providing the quick play-by-play. When the play ends, I jump in, share my perspective, and break down my thoughts on the play.
