Women’s History Month Q&A with Ericka Haney, ‘98
Ericka Haney is in her first year as health teacher and weightlifting/nutrition instructor at her alma mater. A 1998 graduate, Ericka also serves as the head coach for both girls’ basketball and girls’ track & field teams.
One of the most decorated athletes in school history, Ericka was a two-time first-team all-state selection on the hardwood and was named Honorable Mention All-American by USA Today and Street & Smith as a senior. Her 1,353 career points and 1,124 career rebounds are both school records. Ericka was also an All-American in track & field, establishing program records in the 100, 200, and the 400-meter dashes.
After graduating from CCHS, Ericka played college basketball at the University of Notre Dame, helping the Fighting Irish win its first national championship in 2001. She was drafted by the WNBA’s Detroit Shock in 2002 and briefly played professionally in Sweden later that year.
Prior to returning to her alma mater, Ericka served as Director of Player Development at The Ohio State University. Before that, she was director of girls’ basketball for eight years at four high school programs in Florida. Ericka has also been on the coaching staff at Chicago State, served as director of basketball operations at Louisiana Tech, and was the recruiting coordinator at Florida Gulf Coast.
Ericka is a member of the CCHS Athletic Hall of Fame and is a 2020 inductee into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.
What advice would you give to women in your respective field?
My advice to female teachers & coaches is to always let your personality shine through! Don’t be afraid to let your students, athletes and peers know how cool you are. And lastly, don’t take yourself so seriously.
Tell us about a woman you look up to & why.
My mom is my favorite! She is a very strong woman, yet she is very nurturing and caring. She always makes those around her feel great! I aspire to be the same type of nurturer she is. My goal is to balance out who I have to be when I’m in competitive mode and coach mode, and never forget to love on people.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
Women’s History Month means paying homage to all of the courageous women who were brave enough to take a stand for women’s rights, equality, and to make sure that we have a voice in society.
What do you love about Central Catholic High School?
I love the tradition, family atmosphere, and the amazingly talented students and staffulty that we attract makes this place special. There is a significant number of people who work here that are alumni and when you have people that care about the school as a whole, it changes the entire experience for everyone involved. I personally volunteer for anything extra I have time for with my schedule because I enjoy being around the students and staffulty.