SEASIDE, Calif. — Milan Harvey came to Cal State Monterey Bay from Tennessee knowing she wanted a place that felt like home. Drawn to the energy of Head Coach Courtney Materazzi and the instant connection she felt with the volleyball team, she found the community she was searching for. "I'm from Tennessee, but always knew I wanted to go to school in California," Harvey said. "Being so far from family and friends, I wanted to make sure the college I chose felt like a home."
That sense of belonging, paired with the scenic beauty of the area, made CSUMB the perfect fit. "The scenery in the area was just icing on the cake," she said. The transition to California marked the beginning of a new chapter — one defined by competition, camaraderie, and growth on and off the court.
Harvey quickly discovered that the competitive spirit of the California Collegiate Athletic Association brought out the best in her. "The best part of my collegiate playing experience is the competitiveness we have at our level — specifically our conference," she said. "It makes the energy on the court so thrilling and every match exciting."
The support she felt extended beyond her own team. "I also enjoy being an athlete at CSUMB because it is really a community," Harvey said. "I love how every sport supports one another and shows up for each other at games and even off the court."
Her focus this season has been on consistency and energy. "My goal this year is to be a consistent player on the court and always have high energy for my team," she said. "I do feel that I've been getting more consistent as I continue to develop as a player. My teammates really make it easy to bring the energy every game with our talent and persistence."
The classroom has been another source of inspiration for Harvey. "My college experience in the classroom has been very fun," she said. "I'm interested in all of my courses and really enjoy the activities and discussions my professors include in class."
As a freshman, she has felt supported from the start. "I personally appreciate how accommodating and supportive my professors have been, especially as a freshman new to college," Harvey said.
With plans to earn a degree in Psychology and Sports Medicine, Harvey has set her sights on a career that combines her passion for athletics and helping others. "After I graduate from CSUMB with my degree in psychology and sports medicine, I want to go into therapy," she said. "My goal is to start a private practice where I specialize in offering therapy services for athletes recovering from injuries who need to focus on their mental recovery as well."
Whether she's jumping with cheers on the sideline or studying in the classroom, Harvey embodies the energy and determination that define CSUMB Athletics. Her journey from Tennessee to California is more than a change of scenery — it's a story of finding home, embracing competition, and building a future that supports others.
Â
GO OTTERS!
