Harrah combines skill, spirit to have MVP season

Shot blocking and goal-box management aren’t the only attributes that make Hannah Harrah of San Marcos an outstanding goalkeeper. There is a spirit about her that sets her apart from other players.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER


Hannah Harrah - Soccer

San Marcos’ Hannah Harrah

“Skill-wise, she is top notch; spirit-wise, there is no match for Hannah Harrah,” said San Marcos coach Macie Berlin.

That skill and spirit are big reasons Harrah is the MVP of the Presidio Sports All-City Girls Soccer Team.

“Hannah Harrah is the epitome of the last girl on the field,” Berlin said. “Not only is she absolutely fearless and athletic, but she is the role model that every player looks up to. With the tremendous amount of skill that Hannah possesses, it would be easy for a player like her to feel content with her progress and talent. Hannah, however, learns just as gracefully as she teaches. She asks questions, continues to be a student of the game, and puts in tireless hours of training and team-building work.”

Harrah averaged 6.2 saves per game for the season and 4.2 during Channel League.

Her ability as a goalkeeper, work ethic and leadership skills caught the attention of Division 1 recruiters. She accepted an offer from Loyola Marymount.

“She will do great things playing D1 for LMU,” Berlin said. “Coaching her throughout her high school career has been one of the best highlight. If everyone has a friend like Hannah Harrah, they are better because of it.”

Based upon on-court performance and team leadership, the All-City All-Star Teams are selected by Presidio Sports to recognize the top high school student-athletes competing on the South Coast from Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria.

Each All-City selection will receive a special award certificate and be recognized online at PresidioSports.com and in print in the Santa Barbara Sentinel. The entire All-City Soccer Team will be recognized in a pre-game ceremony at a Santa Barbara Foresters baseball game in early June.

PRESIDIO SPORTS’ ALL-CITY SOCCER TEAM


All-City-Soccer-Promo-2014Kaitlyn Saperstein, San Marcos, Junior: Saperstein stepped up as the Royals’ leading goal scorer this season with nine goals. “Kaitlyn is tenacious and ferocious in her skill, and she is never afraid to step up and work on her weaknesses,” coach Macie Berlin said. “It has been a pleasure to watch Kaitlyn grow into a leadership role, and I believe becoming our leading scorer has made her the ultimate attacking threat; she is dangerous anywhere near the ball.”

Ashley Carney, San Marcos, Senior: The fearless, tough center back took on the strongest, quickest attackers and would throw herself in front of the goal to stop a shot. “There’s nothing Ashley wouldn’t do for her team, and that is why she is such a special player,” said coach Macie Berlin.

Alea Hyatt, Santa Barbara, Freshman: It didn’t take long for Hyatt to make a good impression at the varsity level. “She does a great job attack the goal line and provides great balls across the box,” said Dons coach Jeff Johnson. “She has deadly speed and very skillful with her attacking dribbles.”

Hannah Brisby, Santa Barbara, Senior: The all-time assist leader for the Dons, her services on set pieces and on crosses were top notch. She also possesses a wicked shot from a set piece. “She is very savvy with the ball and great in tight space situations. She is elusive on the dribble and very composed in the box,” said coach Jeff Johnson. Brisby has committed to Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore.

Jackie Lopez, Santa Barbara, Senior: Coach Jeff Johnson calls Lopez “a complete footballer and true number 10.” She can beat defenders on the dribble and has a big-time shot. “Her work ethic is relentless and she commands control of the game,” said Johnson. Lopez has committed to Westmont.

Jill Giannini, Bishop Diego, Freshman: She was one of the top goal scorers in the area with 15 goals. “She is a consistent player, very composed and sharp on the ball,” said coach Tessa Binkley.

Hanna Brand, Bishop Diego, Senior: Her versatility was invaluable for the Cardinals. “We completely trusted her in the back but would then miss her intensity and skill on the attack,” said coach Tessa Binkley of the team captain.

Kelsie Bryant, Carpinteria, Junior: The left-footed Bryant plays a controlled, calm game when she has possession of the ball. She’s also strong in the air. “She sees the field so well and, for the most part, has a good understanding of what to do with the ball before she gets it, which is rare,” said coach Charles Bryant.

Stephanie Romero, Dos Pueblos, Senior: Romero was the Chargers’ leading offensive player with 13 goals and five assists. “She was key for us, almost scoring a goal a game until she received an injury,” said coach Hugh Hollis.

Emma Trumbull, Dos Pueblos, Senior: Trumbull was a team leader and standout defender for the Chargers, who recorded 10 shutouts during the season. “She was responsible for us keeping those clean sheets,” said coach Hugh Hollis. Trumbull also scored four goals.