Growing up in Satellite Beach Ashlyn Harris never imagined being able to play professional soccer only an hour away from home.
A four year starter at Satellite High School Ashlyn was a star, leading the Scorpions to state titles in 2002 and 2003. She earned the title of Gatorade Women’s Soccer Player of the Year in 2004. Twelve years later it’s pretty special to be doing what you love back at home.
"It's pretty surreal to me," said the Pride goalkeeper. "After the last game I looked up in the stands and I see familiar faces screaming my name and I look up, and I’m like wow, I played with you, all those years ago."
The journey to the Pride wasn’t without hardships for Harris. She tore her ACL twice while playing at the University of North Carolina. But now fully healthy, Harris, who’s also a member of the US Women’s national team is ready to lead the Pride to success.
"We have to focus on our personal role and individual role to be collectively good," said Harris. "That’s the thing we have to focus on this week, building up, is each person doing their job so we can be collectively unstoppable."
Ashlyn's entire family still lives in Satellite Beach, making it a very special Mother’s Day for her and the entire Harris family as they make the trek over to Camping World Stadium to watch Ashlyn and the Pride take on the Seattle Reign.
"My focus starts well in advance no matter what day it is, no matter how many people are in the stands, no matter who’s watching. But that’s the way I tick, but I know it’s going to be special for her, and for me that makes me excited."