By Patrick McCormack
Molloy Assistant Coach Christie Morrone has won at all levels. She won two CHSAA titles, her freshman and junior years, at the St. John Villa Academy in Staten Island , New York. As a freshman at Villa she was named MVP of the class C and Federation title games. She was named New York State Class B player of the year her junior year. She also won the NCAA National Championship with the Maryland Terps. Morrone’s college career was six years long which saw her playing at three different schools. She started at Virginia Tech were she played a season, at Va Tech she was name the teams Rookie of the year. Then she went on to Maryland were she spent two season with the team but played only one season because of the NCAA Division I rule, if you transfer from Division I school to another Division I school you have to sit out a season. After her time at Maryland, Morrone went on to Dowling College . Morrone played two seasons with the Golden Lions and after her college career ended Morrone played a year pro in Puerto Rico with the Carolina Gigantes. Now Morrone is a key member of Coach Tim O’Hagan’s coaching staff.
How was it winning two CHSAA titles at Villa and leading one team as a freshman and the other as a junior?
Winning two CHSAA titles at Villa was by far one of the greatest feelings in the world and being able to do it as a freshman just makes you even hungrier. Having two still isn't satisfying to me and it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth when I think about only having two . But not many people can say they have two, so I am grateful and extremely proud and humble to be able to be a part of such a great experience and team.
How would you describe your high school career ? and which schools offered you scholarships ? My high school career was everything I thought it would be. It wasn't easy and it as a long tough battle, but having two titles to show for it is what it’s all about. All the hard work you put in the beginning will always pay off in the end, so leaving Villa with two titles and a lot of memories with special teammates, I don't think anyone can say that's not to bad of a high school career to have.
The top schools that I chose between that offered me: Rutgers, Michigan State, St. Johns, Virginia Tech, and Villanova.
Why did you pick VA tech?
I picked Virginia Tech, because it felt like home, it was just right. I felt it as soon as I spoke with coach and then when I stepped on campus and met the girls and I was sold. It was like a family, and being so far away from home, it’s what I needed and was looking for so it was a perfect fit.
But then things happen and life throws you curve balls, and the thing that you pray would never happen happens and the coach I had signed with Bonnie, leaves and goes to coach at Kansas 3 months before I entered my freshman year.
After a year at Va Tech you went on to Maryland . How was it being part of a National Championship team and how was the whole NCAA tournament experience?
Maryland was by far a life changing experience. Being a part of a National Championship team is indescribable. Having such a rare bond that we all shared on that team is what I will always remember, not necessarily the national championship, but just how special that group of girls were. What we had on and off the court, the chemistry, is what I will take with me, which is why we won a National Championship, because in the end we all wanted one thing and that was to be #1 and we achieved that and its extremely humbling.
How was your career at Dowling ?
My career at Dowling was great. Coming into a program that the previous year they had won only a few games and finished our first year out playing for the ECC championship, I would say is pretty amazing. I met great people, played with great teammates, and had a great coach for the 2 years I was there. I'm just disappointed that I was never able to lead the team to the NCAA tournament, but overall, we did what people never thought we could and that was turn the program around.
What was the difference between the DI and DII play?
There honestly is no real difference between DI and DII but just the name on the front of the jersey. I personally feel that if you’re a basketball player and you love the game, you have the same goals and you share the same desires. Just because you travel to further places and you have bigger stadiums and are fully funded, doesn't mean that you have any less love for the game of basketball than anyone at the Division II level doesn't.
If you had to choose over would you rather play DI or DII?
If I had to choose over, I would have played DII and a lot of people ask why. Why? Because unless you go to a top 5 school on the DI level, the truth is, the chances of you winning a National Championship are not likely.
Unlike the DII level, no matter what school you go to, you have the opportunity to take your team to the national title game.
What happens if you want to play ball after and your at the DII level and you weren't noticed because you didn't have the exposure like DI has. Well that doesn't matter either, if you have the right coach, go to the right program, play your type of game, and win, your future is in your hands and your days of playing are still possible even at the DII level.
How was it playing pro in Puerto Rico?
Playing professional was something that has always been a goal of mine, so being able to achieve that is satisfying, but playing in Puerto Rico was overall a great experience. Playing against players who are equally as talented and with some of the girls that play for the Puerto Rican National team was always a challenge day in and day out, but it definitely makes you a better player.
What was the major difference between playing pro and college ball?
To be honest, to me there is no real major difference between playing pro and college ball. In college, most if not all players are on a full ride, while playing pro your getting a pay check either every week or every other week, so in a way, it’s the same, in college you get paid to play basketball and get a free education. Yes some players are more talented, but for the most part playing pro vs. playing college, it’s all one in the same, players and coaches still have one main goal and that’s to win, make your teammates better, and win a championship.
How can you take your experience in pro ball and use it in coaching?
Because of the college career that I had and having played professional, I have been able to carry it over and give back to the girls as a coach. On the court, I have always looked at myself as a leader and tried to lead by example, so as a coach now that's all I try to do. I still have a lot to learn as a coach and I'm learning every day, but if there is something that I could have or would have done as a player I can relate to the girls and explain to them what I would have done in that situation. Being able to give back everything that I have learned throughout my career is the only thing I know right now and to just learn every day. I am just lucky enough to be working under one of the best coaches I have ever played for or ever been around, so I hope to only keep learning and help the players get better and develop the same love for the game that we all have as a coaching staff.
How has coaching been so far?
Coaching has been probably the best experience of my life. For once, not being able to just do and having to teach, has been an extremely transition for me. It's only been five months, and I think I have learned more from Tim than I have learned as a player my whole life. I’m just grateful to be at such a great program with good people and amazing girls and working with an amazing coaching staff and I look forward to learning every day.
