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Cardinal Mooney’s Harris headed for Lafayette soccer team
By Curtis Pulliam
After attending a small, private high school, Myles Harris decided he wanted a similar atmosphere in college.
He found that at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa.
“It felt good when I went on a visit there,” said Harris, a Cardinal Mooney senior soccer player. “It felt like a place I could imagine myself living the next four years.”
Mooney head coach Lou Cali was not surprised when Harris chose Lafayette over Kenyon College and Cleveland State.
“I had a feeling back in the summer this was going to happen when he went on a visit,” Cali said. “I am happy for him.”
Lafayette College resides in the Patriot League and in 2012 advanced to the NCAA tournament.
“Ever since he was a freshman his goal was to play Division I soccer,” Cali said. “He got along with the coaches and players well and was thrilled with the program.”
Harris had a solid senior season for the Cardinals, receiving the Division II District Player of the Year honor. He also was an All-Ohio selection and made the All-Great Lakes Region team.
“The honors mean a lot,” Harris said. “Sometimes over the years I haven’t gotten as much recognitions because I don’t score that much. But it means a lot to know that other coaches in other states think highly of me.”
Although the Cardinals fell short of a district title this season, Harris acquired a helpful skill.
“It gave me more sense of leadership,” said Harris, who will major in economics.
“I learned to carry a lot more weight and demand the ball.”
Cali got to witness firsthand Harris’ leadership development over his career.
“As a freshman he was a very quiet kid and the seniors took him under their wing,” Cali said.
“He was a captain as a junior, which doesn’t happen very often at Mooney. This year it was like having another coach on the field.”
Cali said Harris’ strengths include the ability to combine his knowledge of the game and vision of the field.
“Many players either have knowledge or the vision but not both,” Cali said.
“He has the whole package.”
Before becoming a Leopard in the fall, Harris will play for the Columbus Crew Academy of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. The team travels around the country to play other developmental teams.
Harris knows the competition is tough.
“If you are good enough to play with them you can play with anyone,” he said.