Written by Gary Griffin
It is the beginning of a new year here at Harding and the beginning of an exciting new season for men’s and women’s soccer.
Harding’s soccer teams have been working hard preparing for the upcoming season. Each team has been dealing with the loss as many as six seniors from last season and many new arrivals this season.
Last season the men finished with a record of 4-15, and the women finished with a record of 3-10-4. Coach Greg Harris said has high hopes for both teams this season.
“Both teams are very young, but they are extremely coachable and energetic,” Harris said.
In the Gulf South Conference this season, the men rank 5th and the women rank 4th in the preseason rankings.
The first home game is coming up fast with the men playing at 11a.m. on Sept. 4, against Palm Beach Atlantic University. The women start soon after at 1 p.m. However, the men start their season on the road two days prior against Missouri S & T.
Harris said this season is special because, for the first time, he has an assistant coach.
Sara Graves, formally Sara Williamson, had previously played for Harris but has come back this season to work as his assistant.
Harris also said he has student assistants like former player Andrew Flesher helping with the goalies and Luke Close helping with the defenders.
Harris said the key players for the men this season are captain Connor Galloway, Gabe Alexander, Jackson Savage, Austin Brown and Josh Ireland that offer a lot of strength to this year’s team. The girl’s key players this season include Brianna Meek, Hayley Withrow, Chelsea Brandon and Chelsea Hornbeck.
“The biggest challenge for us this year is replacing the people that were lost and finding the best player for each position,” Galloway said.
“I am so excited to see both teams grow and come together as a team,” said Harris.”
“I am equally excited about the support of our student body as they become a part of our soccer family.”
