NA’s Brand inks with SSU Soccer

By Mark Carpenter

People’s Defender

Yet another student/athlete from North Adams High School has made her decision on where to continue her athletic and academic careers. Multi-sport standout Harlee Brand signed her letter of intent on May 8 to become a part of the women’s soccer program at Shawnee State University. The signing ceremony took place in the North Adams High School gymnasium.

Brand was a key member and integral part of the success of the Lady Devils soccer and basketball programs and will continue her college career on the SSU pitch. She leaves North Adams with her name in the soccer record books, due to her outstanding work between the pipes as the Lady Devils’ goalkeeper. She holds the school record for career shutouts (33) and single season shutouts (12).

Her college choice boiled down to a pair of schools, Shawnee State (NAIA) or D1 Delaware State, but ultimately Brand decided to stay in Ohio.

“I just felt like Shawnee would suit be best especially my first year because I eventually didn’t like the idea of being nine hours from my family,” she explained. “Shawnee’s soccer program is actually becoming much better over the years and I think I can improve it a lot by going there.”

With Brand in goal,the Lady Devils soccer team experienced much success and long tournament runs, but one moment sticks out as Harlee’s highlight.

“Definitely winning the first ever district title for girls soccer. It was the best season I’ve ever played in.”

The honor of coaching Harlee Brand in her high school career went to Morgan Hendrickson and she appreciates the talent that was under her guidance.

“Harlee is one of those gifts that a lot of coaches get maybe a few times in their career,” said North Adams girls soccer coach Morgan Hendrickson. ” Thankfully I have seen 2twogoalies come through North Adams with pure talent. I watched Harlee in elementary and middle school and knew even then, that she would be a great goalie. She has a God- given gift of defending the goal. Throughout the four years I’ve seen her grow tremendously. As a freshman, she came in from a COVID year with no high school experience, so there was a learning curve for her. She was shy and timid at first, but quickly took charge and realized her skills were far greater than most seniors, even at the age of 14.”

“The last couple of years she’s truly been amazing to watch. She was a large part of our success and she will be incredibly hard to replace. I’m so proud of her accomplishments on the field, but I’m prouder of the great young woman and role model she has become.”

While at Shawnee, Harlee plans to get a Bachelors in Science with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Anesthesiologist.

Shawnee State is an NAIA school and the Bears compete in the River States Conference, where Coach Chris Murphy’s women’s soccer squad finished last season at 8-10-1.