Harcum College Student Proves You can Have it All

When Lynadia Whiting arrived on Harcum’s Bryn Mawr campus in 2016, she knew her major and that she was going to play basketball, but she didn’t anticipate how music would play a part in her life as well. Whiting is from Waterbury, CT and coming to Harcum College and being a part of the Women’s Basketball Team was a dream come true.

She knew she would have to work hard to maintain her grades. It was not a problem for her. As a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for two-year schools, she’ll be graduating this May with a 3.96 GPA. Amazing when you learn about all that she does! Outside of class she’s a fast and fierce competitor on the basketball court.

As a starting point guard on the Women’s Basketball Team she has helped the team to several championship titles. During her first season with the Bears the team was ranked in the top 20 nationally. They captured the Region XIX Championship and led the country in steals. In her second season the team captured the District O title and competed in the NJCAA National Tournament.

“Lynadia embodies what it means to be a student-athlete. She embraces challenge, explores different areas to grow, and finds ways to help in the community. During her time at Harcum she coached a local travel
basketball team and mentored young girls. She is a natural-born leader, doesn't run away from work, and will be successful in whatever she pursues in life,” remarked Brittany Clark, Head Women’s Basketball Coach.

In high school, Whiting dabbled with piano lessons, but gave it up when she started college. Her love of music didn’t fade, so she took advantage of Harcum Music School, where she could take lessons all the while earning college credit. She chose to pick up the guitar in her second semester and studied with Mike Caroto, Coordinator of the Music School. "It has been a pleasure to teach Lynadia. She displayed a passion for singing, writing, and performing soon after learning her first few guitar chords. With many schools dropping the fine arts, I’m glad that Harcum College continues to make it a priority,” remarked Caroto.

Her passion for music and her strong faith landed her a job as the Youth Worship Leader at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Every Sunday she leads a youth band in worship. She selects the music and rehearses with the group each week before the worship service.

Whiting is also a Resident Assistant (RA) on Harcum’s campus. In this important role she supports the Residence Life team, helping to plan activities and monitor student behavior. She, and the other RA’s, are
the community builders within the residence halls. A fun fact that we should probably keep under wraps is that Whiting also volunteers to serve as the College mascot, Hatcher. When needed, she suits up in the
bear costume and makes appearances both on and off campus.

“I had a teacher in high school who taught me to be a conscientious member of society and that stuck with me. I always strive to make the world a better place. I also believe the more places you go and things
you do for others, the more opportunities God will bring to you,” remarked Whiting.

To say that Whiting has a full plate is an understatement! She balances everything with grace and maturity and has proven to be a true leader on the Harcum campus. She proves that as a college student you can be anything – an academic, an athlete, a musician, a community leader, a team builder, etc.

Meet more of Harcum’s talented student musicians, and others from the community, at the Harcum Music School Spring Recital on Sunday, April 22 at Noon. The recital takes place in the Kevin D. Marlo Little Theatre and is free and open to the public. Get more info at harcum.edu/recital.

Learn more about Harcum Music School at harcummusicschool.com.