Adrienne Harris is back in Carroll County full time now as both an Elementary School teacher and Varsity Girls Soccer Coach.
The recent Emory and Henry graduate agreed to come out to Olde Mill Golf Resort Sunday for an 18 hole interview. Here is part one of the round of golf.
Q – Can you look back to the very first time you remember wanting to Coach Soccer at Carroll County ?
A – Watching my Dad through all of the years coaching the different School teams and travel teams, I knew I wanted to coach Soccer one day too.
When Dad had to step away back in 2019 after a change in jobs, I knew then that I wanted to take over the program once I graduated from college.
Q – You are about to begin both your teaching career and your coaching career, do you want to be viewed as teacher who coaches or a coach who teaches ?
A – I see the two roles as different parts of my life and I will do both of them to the best of my ability. In the classroom I am a teacher and on the Pitch I am a Coach, hopefully people will see it that way.
Q – What do you think will be the biggest challenge in transitioning from College Soccer player to High School Soccer coach ?
A – I will have to remember that I cannot just lace up the spikes and run out there and do it myself. Not playing the game competivley will be an adjustment into itself.
Q – Your Father is considered by many to be the Godfather of Soccer here in Carroll County. Is there a part of you that feels you are taking over the Family business ?
A – Yes, I do in a way feel like I am continuing the Family business because my Dad has done so much for the game here in Carroll County. It makes me want to help the next generation of players improve their game so we can continue the high level of Soccer that we have been playing.
Q – Follow up to question #4, Have you given thought about the first time that you and your Dad aren’t on the same page in regards to the program?
A – We really just think a lot alike, through the years of being an assistant with him we talked about every aspect of the game and were usually on the same page. Any recommendations he gives are easy to go with because he has so much knowledge of the game, especially from the coaching stand point.
Q – What is one thing that folks might not know about you that will allow them to understand your level of focus ?
A – Most people that know me think or feel that I’m overly competitive. The truth is that I’m even more competitive than what shows outwardly.
Q – One of the players you are inheriting is your youngest Sister Callie. Tell us the most exciting part of her playing on your first and second teams ?
A – I am very excited to get to Coach her because I have watched her play since she was three or four years old. She would try to play with Natalie and I back then.
I am sure we might butt heads a few times because it being a Sister – Sister thing . I think we are both going to enjoy it and it will be a really cool experience.
Q – You will be in a similar situation as your Boys counterpart, Forrest Johnson, in that Carroll County is full of a generation old enough that they didn’t grow up with the game of Soccer. Can you think of any ideas that might help them with the understanding of the game ?
A – One thing to consider would be just before the season starts to host a fan friendly intersquad scrimmage. We could use some of the time to help break down the nuances of the game.
We are heading into the turn now so we will sneak in #9 and conclude tomorrow with the Back Nine.
Q – A great deal has been discussed about the need for the program to restart the Junior Varsity program here at Carroll County High School. Can you share your thoughts on this ?
A – I feel its really important to have a JV program that would allow your Freshman and Sophomores to experience game action. I am really hoping to get a number of girls to get involved this fall so we can possibly get it started back this season. If not this season than no later than next season. It is crucial, especially for the younger players just learning the game to get actual game experience, which will lead to success at the Varsity level.
This concludes the first half of the 18 hole interview. Part 2 will run tomorrow.
A.S.P.N on The Hill 