Avery Harrison '21 Recruiting Profile

Hi, my name is Avery Harrison. I am 17 years old and a Junior at Comeaux High School in Lafayette, LA where I play on the Varsity soccer team. I am a starting Forward/Attacking Midfielder for the team(since freshman year) and the top goal scorer.  I received All District Honorable Mention my freshman year, Second Team All District sophmore year and First Team All District Junior year. I have also been voted most Outstanding Offensive Player by my team and coaches for the last two season.  In the Fall and Spring, I also play competitive club soccer for the Dynamo Juniors.

I think that everyone has a special talent, skill or interest that sets them apart from others. It may be sports, music, arts, nature, etc.; mine is soccer. I'm not talking a game of pick-up soccer in the school yard, I mean competitive soccer. Soccer has been a part of my life since I was about  4 years old, when I joined my first team called the Purple Butterflies. From the moment I stepped on the field and touched a ball, I loved soccer. I couldn't wait to practice, play games and learn more! I have played soccer year round since then. I began in the recreational leagues and quickly moved up to an academy training league and then travel/club soccer. I have been fortunate enough to experience soccer in different states and even Canada. My teams have participated in a variety of tournaments around the US and even Spain, exposing me to some of the best players out there! I can't imagine my life without soccer! Its a part of me and who I am. 

I am frequently asked, "why I like soccer so much?" My response to that is simple, "its where I belong." But answering that question also brings up other great answers. I like soccer because of the competitiveness that is being shown throughout the game. I like the challenges you are faced when the ball is passed to you or you work to get open to receive the ball. There are many ongoing strategies and those require knowledge of the field and quick, smart thinking. As many true fans of the sport say, "its a beautiful game."

Soccer has many teachable moments that are used both on and off the field. Soccer has taught me to have discipline as well as to be a leader not a follower.  Leadership is not always about being in control or owning the power that comes with the name, it means to be a role model too.   A role model is positive, encouraging and finishes what they start. Scoring goals is exciting and winning is fun, but I have learned that I can have my best game, even if our team doesn't win! When I play soccer, I leave my heart on that field and give it everything I have every game.  My personality has a defined mental toughness that makes me very coachable. I take encouragement and criticism and turn it into a competitive mindset that allows me to remain focused, confident and remain in control of my game. 

It is my dream to play soccer at a college level and I will continue to work hard to achieve and reach this goal!