The face of Harding soccer has changed this year.The men’s team is led by a new coach and the women’s team is playing in a new conference.
Starting off the season with a 2-2-1 record, the Bison men’s team is looking ahead to conference play, beginning in October.They remain in the Gulf South Conference along with Ouachita Baptist, as the newly formed Great American Conference does not yet participate in men’s soccer.
The Bisons are now led by Head Men’s Soccer Coach Jeremy Bishop, a 1997 Harding graduate who previously coached at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
Bishop said he is excited about the strong leadership displayed by key players.He said sophomore midfielder, Ryan Wilhelm is a hard worker who leads by example and senior center back Austin Brown, a team captain, is a “motor for the team”.Bishop is complimentary of the strong freshmen players.Gehrig Haberstock, Jacob Stevens and Ian Park, who play defense, midfield and forward respectively are already seeing a lot of playing time.
The men’s team has a roster of 30 players, 10 of whom are freshman. Bishop said the team has developed a strong chemistry.”It feels like we’ve got a really good group as far as their togetherness, Bishop said.They want to do well and they want to have success.They understand that bonding is a big part of it.”
The Bison men aim to be eligible for play in the GSC tournament with a record above .500, Bishop said.
The women’s Bison soccer team, led by coach Greg Harris, has already started GAC play, falling to Ouachita Baptist 3–0 on Sept. 9.The 24-player roster is a young team consisting of 10 freshmen and 6 sophomores. Harris said that they bring great attitudes, talent and energy to the team.Forward Chelsea Brandon, the team’s only senior, brings the experience and versatility to play multiple positions.
Even with so many new players, the team is working well together.
“This is the best team chemistry I think we’ve ever had.I’m very proud of them. They are fun to be around and they’re thirsting for knowledge, Harris said.”
The Lady Bisons hope to win conference in the regular season and host the GAC tournament at Harding, Harris said.While other Bison teams have hosted conference tournaments in the past, this would be a first for the women’s soccer team.
“Qualifying to host the tournament would be a huge deal, Harris said.”
