Over the past three seasons, junior forward Erin Harris has quickly emerged as a leader for the Kennesaw State women’s soccer team. As of the team’s last game on Oct. 20, she has involved herself in a total of 24 goals in her KSU career.
The 2018 Atlantic Sun Second Team All-Conference selection has come a long way to reach the level of success she has achieved so far.
A native of Suwanee, Georgia, Erin Harris graduated from Peachtree Ridge High School in 2017 and has been an offensive weapon for the Owls ever since she joined the team. Now a junior, her level of experience has shaped her into a team leader.
Soccer has been a major aspect of Harris’ life from a young age.
“[Soccer was] not the first sport I played, but it was my favorite…” Harris said. “I tried to be a ballerina, I tried volleyball, tennis … and I didn’t like those.”
Early in her soccer career, Harris played as an outside defender. By age 12, her coaches noticed her exceptional speed. At that point, she was moved to the forward position and found instant success as an attacker. In addition to playing for her schools, Harris participated on several competitive club soccer teams.
After earning All-Region honors as a junior in high school, Harris emerged on the radar of several college scouts. When the time came for Harris to choose a destination, KSU was a clear choice.
“I honestly didn’t understand the recruiting process, so I was very naive about it,” Harris said. “I emailed a bunch of people, and [head coach Benji Walton] was my favorite because he was very welcoming. I felt like he liked me as a person, and not just a player.”
Her first season of college soccer was a major adjustment from the previous year.
“It was a huge change … obviously, high school soccer is serious, but we didn’t push ourselves as hard,” Harris said. “In college, everyone is good, so the competition is harder. It’s a different demand.”
Harris was able to overcome her challenges as a freshman, starting five matches and appearing in 19 overall for the Owls. That season, she notched one assist and two goals, including a match-winner against the University of North Carolina Asheville.
As a sophomore, Harris approached the season with a new mentality.
“I became more confident by my sophomore year,” Harris said. “I [wanted] to be on the field. I [had] to earn my spot.”
She certainly earned her spot on the team in 2018, appearing in all 19 of the team’s matches. She produced six goals and six assists — both team-highs. Her pairing of speed and passing ability made Harris a key piece for the Owls’ offensive attack.
Now in her third season with KSU, Harris is facing another set of obstacles. Opposing teams have changed their plans in order to contain the forward.
“Now, teams know who I am,” Harris said. “They know I’m fast. The games are a little more difficult because I have to play a different game for myself and be smarter.”
Harris is embracing her new role, as she aims to be a leader for younger teammates both on and off the field.
“My mindset is different this year,” Harris said. “I definitely feel like I have something to prove every time I step on the field … I want underclassmen to be able to look up to me as an example.”
Harris has helped lead the Owls to an overall record of 9-7 in 2019. KSU is currently fourth in the ASUN conference standings with a record of 4-3.
The team’s final regular season game will be played against North Alabama Friday, Oct. 25, at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
