Photo by: Stephen Wandzura
Women's Soccer Q&A: Hailey Harbison
11/2/2018 8:57:00 AM | Women's Soccer, Competing With Purpose Blog
Redshirt senior Hailey Harbison looks forward to her Senior Day tomorrow with the final regular-season home game for the Pepperdine women's soccer team. We talked to the Waves' defender about the possibility of an NCAA Tournament appearance, her time at Pepperdine and her next steps:
Q: Playing in the NCAA Tournament is still a possibility. What are your thoughts on this opportunity?
A: It's exciting, because when we come into the season, we expect to make it to the tournament. That's just how our program is; we usually do. So knowing that's still a possibility is a good motivation to go and play hard on Saturday.
Q: Your final home match and Senior Day are coming up on Saturday. What are some emotions you're feeling about playing your last home game as a Wave?
A: It's sad, but also exciting. I've been here for five years now, so I'm sad it's going to be over. But, I feel like it will be a good ending.
Q: You've witnessed a few Senior Days during your time on the team. What do you think your Senior Day is going to be like for you?
A: I think there's going to be a lot of emotions, but controlled emotions. We're going to use them to play harder. I think everyone wants to play hard for the seniors, and we want to leave a legacy and play hard for everyone else.
Q: Reflecting on your time at Pepperdine, what has been the most fulfilling moment as a student-athlete?
A: Playing with my sister probably. She graduated last year, but I got to play with her for three years. She came to Pepperdine before me, and when I decided to come, her being here played a big role.
Q: How have you grown as a person, student and athlete during your time here?
A: I feel like I've opened up more as a person by getting to know more people and being involved in other activities. As an athlete, I feel like the coaches have definitely pushed me to be a better athlete and a better soccer player. As the years went on, I also think I got better and better as a student.
Q: What has been the best advice your coaches have given you?
A: They're always pushing us to work hard and keep working hard, even if we're having a bad day. So I'd probably say that they've really taught me to never stop working hard.
Q: What is one thing that you'll miss most about Pepperdine?
A: The team. I feel like I'm not going to be on a team where everyone is this close. Everyone enjoys being around each other, and we genuinely like each other. I feel like on other teams, people fight for positions, so they're not really friends with each other. So being close with everyone is definitely something I'll miss.
Q: As a senior, what are the next steps for you?
A: Well, the NWSL draft is in January, so I'm hoping to get drafted and keep playing. Lynn Williams was here when I was a freshman, so I'd want to play for her team. But, if not, I'll play on any team as long as I can keep playing.
Q: Playing in the NCAA Tournament is still a possibility. What are your thoughts on this opportunity?
A: It's exciting, because when we come into the season, we expect to make it to the tournament. That's just how our program is; we usually do. So knowing that's still a possibility is a good motivation to go and play hard on Saturday.
Q: Your final home match and Senior Day are coming up on Saturday. What are some emotions you're feeling about playing your last home game as a Wave?
A: It's sad, but also exciting. I've been here for five years now, so I'm sad it's going to be over. But, I feel like it will be a good ending.
Q: You've witnessed a few Senior Days during your time on the team. What do you think your Senior Day is going to be like for you?
A: I think there's going to be a lot of emotions, but controlled emotions. We're going to use them to play harder. I think everyone wants to play hard for the seniors, and we want to leave a legacy and play hard for everyone else.
Q: Reflecting on your time at Pepperdine, what has been the most fulfilling moment as a student-athlete?
A: Playing with my sister probably. She graduated last year, but I got to play with her for three years. She came to Pepperdine before me, and when I decided to come, her being here played a big role.
Q: How have you grown as a person, student and athlete during your time here?
A: I feel like I've opened up more as a person by getting to know more people and being involved in other activities. As an athlete, I feel like the coaches have definitely pushed me to be a better athlete and a better soccer player. As the years went on, I also think I got better and better as a student.
Q: What has been the best advice your coaches have given you?
A: They're always pushing us to work hard and keep working hard, even if we're having a bad day. So I'd probably say that they've really taught me to never stop working hard.
Q: What is one thing that you'll miss most about Pepperdine?
A: The team. I feel like I'm not going to be on a team where everyone is this close. Everyone enjoys being around each other, and we genuinely like each other. I feel like on other teams, people fight for positions, so they're not really friends with each other. So being close with everyone is definitely something I'll miss.
Q: As a senior, what are the next steps for you?
A: Well, the NWSL draft is in January, so I'm hoping to get drafted and keep playing. Lynn Williams was here when I was a freshman, so I'd want to play for her team. But, if not, I'll play on any team as long as I can keep playing.
Players Mentioned
D/F
/ Women's Soccer
