Everybody in the Pool! Coach Stef Harrison Makes Teamwork the Winning Strategy

Stef Harrison brings the same clarity, focus, and sense of purpose to the pool deck that she brings to the classroom as a math teacher. As head coach for girls’ water polo and girls’ and boys’ swimming, she helps students discover that these demanding sports are also communities — places where students give it their all every day.

A four-time high school All-American and captain of the girls’ swim team at Germantown Academy outside Philadelphia, Harrison also captained the women’s team at Princeton University. When her competitive career ended, coaching “just felt like the natural thing for me,” she said.

Whether she’s guiding the girls’ water polo team in the fall or leading swimmers through the winter season, “working with kids and sharing a passion for the sport and for competition” is, for Harrison, the heart of the job. She admires athletes who “show up every day and give their best effort,” trusting that the work will count when it matters most.

For Matthew Gao ’27, that philosophy is present in every practice. “Coach Harrison's approach to coaching is team-centered,” he said. “I arrived at Lawrenceville thinking swimming was an individual sport, but this team, and Coach Harrison, have taught me to experience it as a shared effort. She’s made high school swimming a truly transformative experience for me.”

Sathvik Samant ’26 shares that sense of connection. “Coach Harrison constantly encourages us to be present, whether at practice or at meets,” he said. Even in an individual sport, “we find camaraderie and community,” especially during relays, where “an environment full of cheering really makes a difference when it comes time to race.”

Her clarity and consistency shape the team’s mindset. “She works with us to set accessible yet ambitious goals, and above anything prioritizes a sense of community, having fun, and teamwork,” Samant said. Those expectations, he added, have strengthened the team’s attitude and culture.

Samant also values her steady guidance during challenging moments. “After a bad race, Coach Harrison encourages and inspires, and allows us to see the bigger picture,” he said. Her calming presence before meets has changed the way he competes. “Her contextualization and inspiration pre-race has really helped me calm down, stay focused, and perform better… sometimes, it’s those small words of encouragement that really make a difference,” he said. “Coach Harrison is constantly someone I can count on for advice, whether athletic or personal.”

Across both sports, Harrison hopes students carry forward the lessons of teamwork and belonging. “My goal is that kids leave the program feeling like they were part of something bigger than themselves,” she said. Swimming and water polo may require different skills, but both, in her view, build community, character, and confidence that last long after graduation.

“These kids are pretty phenomenal,” Harrison said. “They are so well-rounded and balanced, and involved in so many things. I admire their passion and drive. I look forward to hearing about other things they are involved in on campus, their summer opportunities, and how they spend their breaks. I find they are always teaching me something!”

For more information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org