Pay it Forward

"Coaching is a platform used to help teach the bigger lessons in life." That is what Harry Shortway, Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at Sussex County Community College, truly believes.

As a Ridgewood, NJ native, sports was a huge part of Shortway's life growing up. From his great grandfather throwing batting practice for the New York Yankees, to his father being an All-State baseball and football player, sports have had an impact on Shortway's development as a young man.

Playing football at Ridgewood High School, Shortway knew it would be tough to make that transition to the collegiate level. After high school graduation, Shortway would now find himself at Alfred University. Not only was Shortway the first to go to college, but he would also be the first to play a new sport in the family, lacrosse. The physicality and fast pace of the sport drew Harry in right away. Almost losing the opportunity to play sports ever again from a ski accident, Harry battled his way back. Having coaches who supported his efforts helped change his life and gave him the confidence and belief that he would one day do the same for others.

After that experience, and having sports in his blood, Shortway sought out the path of coaching. When I asked him why Harry said "it's about paying it forward and building relationships. I am blessed to have had made so many great relationships as a coach."

With now over 40 plus years of coaching different sports, you know what type of impact you have on players when you are able to share stories like this one. Shortway said, "When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I found myself often tired. One day coming from working in the garden, I told my wife I was going to take a shower and lay down for a while. She immediately told me no. When I asked her why she told me to look out the window. To my surprise there were a bunch of trucks lined up my driveway with grills, food, and everything you need in order to have a bbq. My players came together to have a bbq at my house. I was taken back and so grateful for this as it was something I truly needed."

Great coaches are not just influential leaders in their sport, but in their communities as well. Politics is certainly not the game Shortway wanted to get into, but was one he felt he needed to. "You either sit on the sidelines or you get in the game", Shortway said when asked about running for mayor. "If you don't like the way something is going you have a choice to make" he added.

Making a difference and paving the way for others is something Harry Shortway looks to continue as he becomes the first Head Women's Lacrosse Coach here at Sussex. When asked "why Sussex?", Harry replied, "my family and I have always help start up new programs to create opportunities for kids. It was exciting to see that some of the girls I have coached in the past wanted to start a program and I am excited to help them start that."

No matter what challenges Shortway has faced over the years, one thing remains clear. Nothing has ever been able to keep Harry Shortway from continuing to pay it forward.