It takes a certain kind of person to be a leader. Hannah Hatcher, a senior on the women’s soccer team, was that kind of person. In the fall of 2013, Hatcher entered her second year of being captain of the women’s soccer team, leading the team on and off the field. It was her fourth year on the soccer team, and she felt more ready to lead than ever before.
“In comparison to last year, yes, I’m far more comfortable and ready to lead,” Hatcher said. “Every group needs a leader, and I believe that the other two captains and I help fill that role and try our best to lead this team. The girls often look to us for direction when they need it.”
Off the field, Hannah spent time with her teammates, which added to the chemistry of the team.
“Soccer isn’t the only thing that unifies us and brings us together,” Hatcher said. “We do many things as a team outside of soccer, whether it’s worshiping together, having Bible studies, getting together for game nights, having movie nights and any other hullabaloo we can find to do around in Searcy. We are not just teammates, we’re a family with a lot of great memories.”
Sophomore team member Audrey Adkison played with Hatcher for two seasons.
“Hannah is a great unifier of the team,” Adkison said. “She listens to everyone’s input and creates a lot of opportunities to have fun and get closer as a group.”
Hatcher was an effective leader on the field as well. Coach Greg Harris coached Hatcher all four years she was at Harding.
“She finds a good way of being instructive and encouraging at the same time,” Harris said. “She also takes responsibility for the mistakes that she makes, and doesn’t place blame on others. She is a captain that leads by example. We never question her heart or passion.”
Hatcher’s focus when leading was demonstrating the value of unity to her team.
“When leading the team, I’m focused on getting everyone on the same page,” Hatcher said “The girls know what is expected of them; it’s a matter of getting the team’s mindset ready to go with an attitude to work hard and win all the small battles. One of the biggest ways to do this is leading not just by words, but by example.”
Hannah was a senior exercise science major and planned on going to physical therapy school after graduation, somewhere she could continue to help and encourage those around her.
