After her failed attempt to join an ice hockey team in 4th grade, junior Natalie Harrison was advised to start playing field hockey. Harrison never expected that by her junior year she would be an all-region player and a captain of her high school team, as well as committed to her dream school, Liberty University.
Harrison has been a crucial part of her field hockey team at Woodgrove High School. Starting her freshman year on the varsity team, coach Bonnie Moriarty shared, “The moment I met Natalie, I knew she was special, not just as a player, but also as an individual.” Harrison’s team agrees that she is a huge part of the team, not only contributing with her skill in the sport but also as a person and a supportive teammate.
Harrison has been a field hockey player since 4th grade and has participated in a variety of teams including her travel team, Metro, and the varsity team at Woodgrove. While playing, Harrison has not only defined her physical abilities in the sport, but has also improved her “mental toughness and her mental game,” mentioned Moriarty. Her team discusses that Harrison came to Woodgrove with raw skills, but they have watched her develop an ability to control her feelings on the field. Her coaches have also noticed a significant amount of growth in her leadership skills.
During her time on the Woodgrove team, Harrison has shared that she believes the team has an undeniable bond. She expressed, “It really is just like a family, and it’s really nice to see everyone support each other.” Harrison also mentioned that she has really enjoyed being a part of the team, and seeing everyone build each other up helps motivate not only her but the team as a whole.
Harrison has proved herself a leader to her coaches and teammates while playing. They see her as a role model for not only younger players but themselves as well. Senior Kayla Forester shared, “She inspires many of the players, I think all the players, but especially the newer younger athletes to strive to be like her and to play at her level.” Her coaches agree that the qualities that Harrison has shown play a big role in her success. Moriarty emphasized, “There’s definitely two different Natalies. On the field, she’s like a gladiator. She’s determined nonstop, never quits, and a force. Off the field, she’s one of the kindest, sweetest people you’ll ever meet.” The team believes that her skills and kindness are two of the key qualities that make Harrison an inspiration and leader on and off the field.
Harrison now finds herself committed to Liberty University in only her junior year. Liberty is a school that Harrison has been dreaming of attending for two to three years now. Harrison finds Liberty the perfect school for her not only because she has the opportunity to play D1 field hockey, but also because of the importance of religion in her choice. Coach Tammy Davis explained, “She wanted Liberty, and she persevered until she got what she set her goal for.”
Because D1 schools are restricted from talking to students before June 15th of their sophomore year, Harrison found the process of recruitment very sudden. She shared, “The recruiting process was interesting to go from no communication with coaches to very open conversations.” Contact from D1 coaches was a pleasant surprise for Harrison. While the process was difficult, she finds herself extremely grateful to have the opportunity to play at the school.
Harrison plans to major in sports management. After graduation Harrison would like to “play at the next level” and aims to continue her field hockey career by coaching.
Harrison has worked the majority of her life to get where she is today and finally gets the opportunity to fulfill her dreams after all her hard work. Her team and coaches are so excited to see where she will go in the future and watch as she inspires more players to accomplish their goals. She encourages others to work to their fullest potential and dedicate themselves to their goal by declaring, “If you don’t do it now, if you don’t get started, then you’re not gonna get better.”