Men's Basketball | 9/28/2022 1:42:40 PM
DJ Harter is in his fourth season as a member of the Utica University men's basketball team. He has appeared in 43 career contests and was a member of the Pioneers team that won their first Empire 8 Championship in 2021. Utica is 56-15 in Harter's three seasons as a member of the basketball team.
A native of Holland Patent, NY, Harter served as Utica' s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President and is a student ambassador for the university. Harter is a physics major with a minor in adolesence education. He carries a 3.5 grade-point average.
DJ Harter - Empire 8 Captains
Institution: Utica College
Sport/Position: Basketball/Guard
Academic Major: Physics with a minor in Adolescence Education (7-12)
GPA: 3.5
Class Year: Senior
Favorite Professional Athlete/Pro Team: Kobe Bryant
Favorite Food: Pancakes
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
Dream Vacation: Traveling to all the countries on the Mediterranean Sea
Last TV Show/Series You Binge Watched: Stranger Things
Various Academic Honors/Academic or Athletic Clubs:
- President's Honor List
- Utica SAAC President
- Utica SPS Secretary
- Utica SGA Senate Member
- Utica University Student Ambassador
When Did You Become a Captain?/How Long Have You Served in That Role?
Coach Coffey traditionally doesn’t have official team captains. He often advocates for a “player led team”. He leaves the captain status to those who step up to the plate and lead by example.
What Are Your Duties as Team Captain?
Being a leader on the team on and off the court. Keeping the guys focused. Leading by example for younger guys to understand the culture of the program. Most importantly being supportive to all of my teammates.
What Type of Leader Are You?
I am a vocal leader. I have no issue speaking up and letting guys know when they are doing something right or wrong. More importantly I lead by example. When people see you being successful they are going to imitate your actions in hopes for the same success. So it is important to always be doing the right thing even when no one is watching. That means on the court, in the weight room, in the classroom, and just around campus and the community.
What Qualities Do You Think A Team Leader Should Have?
Hardworking, passionate, supportive, strong mentally, composed, wise, and understanding.
Any Interesting or Exciting Internships You Have Done or Are Currently Working On?
Last May, I worked at Clinton High School as a long term substitute physics teacher. It was my first opportunity to have my very own classroom day to day. It was a super exciting experience and I learned a lot about teaching from that.
Plans After Graduation:
Go to graduate school and study physical education and potentially use my last year of eligibility to play basketball.
What Do You See Yourself Doing in 10-15 Years/What is Your Ultimate Professional Goal:
My ultimate professional goal is to be an athletic director at a high school. If I can coach while I am working as well that would be perfect.
How Has Playing Collegiately and in the Empire 8 Prepared You For Life After College:
It has taught me a lot about organization and time management. Empire 8 preaches academic, extra curricular and athletic excellence. With that being said, when my plate starts to get full during basketball season, it is important to prioritize and get all your “to - do’s” done.
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College:
Winning the Empire 8 Men's Basketball Championship in 2021
Greatest Mentors (On or Off Campus):
My greatest mentor more recently is Mr. Darryll Stinson. Mr. Stinson came and spoke at Utica last spring and ever since them we have been in contact and working together. Without Darryll, I would not be who I am today.
What Have You Learned About Yourself from Being a Captain:
I have learned that people are always noticing what you do, whether it is good or bad. Doing the little things, people notice that. At the same time, once you step into a leadership role that spotlight gets a little brighter on you. It is very important how you carry yourself as a captain.
One Thing Most People Do Not Know About You:
I’m a huge food guy. I love to try new foods, talk about food, make food, etc. I can’t name many things that I do not like to eat. So if you’re reading this, send me some food suggestions or places to eat.
Advice for Younger Teammates/Student-Athletes and Future Captains:
If you’re passionate about something, go for it. Don’t let other people tell you what you can and can’t do. Also, get involved on your campus. College is much more than going to class, and playing a sport. If you want to make a difference, get involved somewhere where you can impact others. Coach Coffey always talks about, “Resume vs. Legacy”. How are people going to remember you? What did you do outside of athletics? How do you treat others around you?
The Empire 8 Conference's “Captains” Series features a student-athlete from one of its member institutions in a leadership role which focuses on how being in that role has helped them as a student-athlete and person in addition to preparing for life after college.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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