Jarena Harmon '15 Makes Immediate Impact on College Soccer's Biggest Stage

Playing in the ACC, the top women’s soccer conference in the country, Harmon was a key reason Pitt had its winningest season in school history. And Harmon played a big part in that success as she led the team with seven goals, including three game winners. The Panthers finished 10-7-1 with four conference wins.

 

“I did not expect to play more than 10 minutes or so per game, to be honest,” Harmon said, reflecting back on her first season. “I was more than aware of the ACC’s high level of competition. Coming into the season, my coaches told everyone from day one that starting spots had to be earned. I was determined from the first practice to start by the end of the season. I had no idea how I was going to impact the team, but I had faith that I would eventually.”

 

Harmon didn’t need long to earn a spot in the starting lineup. She took the pitch to open the first game of the season. In just her second game, she scored a hat trick in a 6-0 win over Robert Morris. She also scored in 2-0 wins over Villanova and North Carolina State, a 2-1 win over Wake Forest, and a 2-1 loss to Boston College. She was a big part of Pittsburgh’s school-record eight-game winning streak.

 

“It was amazing, especially knowing that the freshman class, my class, actually made a significant difference,” Harmon said. “Although it’s a great feeling, there is a lot of pressure that comes along with this newfound success.”

 

One area Harmon isn’t feeling too much pressure is as a college student.

 

“St. Andrew’s prepared me for college in many ways,” Harmon said. “I was encouraged to ask for help when I needed it. I was able to easily develop relationships with my professors and find help. Time management is very important, especially as a student-athlete. St. Andrew’s prepared me for that as well as simply teaching me (the basics) – to do my homework and show up to class everyday. I learned how to study for tests and quizzes, how to speak publically and how to ask questions in a classroom.

 

“Although high school soccer was very different from club play, I was able to take more of a leadership role with the (St. Andrew’s) team. I was able to lead through example while learning how to be a more verbal player on the field. High school sports taught me responsibility and shaped me into a better leader. St. Andrew’s athletics gave me a lot more confidence in my athletic and leadership abilities and I am very thankful to my supportive teachers, coaches, and athletic community for that.”

 

Pitt’s spring season began with a 5-0 win at Penn State, which is fresh off winning the National Championship just a few months ago. Five games remain on the spring slate for the Panthers.