Story by Gage Johnson
Senior Writer
gjohnson17@murraystate.edu
Former Murray State soccer player Harriet Withers graduated this past semester, and has embarked on a journey many thought would come later down the road.
Withers has now entered the world of coaching, as she is the assistant women’s soccer coach at Bard College.
During her senior year in the 2017-18 soccer season, Withers became the all-time goals scored leader with her 37th career goal. This was just one of many accolades from Withers’ historic career at Murray State.
Withers is also currently the leader in game-winning goals (13), points (89) and points per game (1.16). She was a part of three-straight regular season conference championships and two trips to the NCAA tournament. Withers also joined former outside hitter for Racer volleyball Scottie Ingram as the only non-basketball or football players to have their jersey retired at Murray State.
After leaving Murray State, many thought Withers would pursue a professional career. While Withers had always wanted to continue her playing days, her desire to stay in the United States trumped the idea.
“It was a dream to continue playing, but being an international and wanting to stay in this country made it difficult to do so,” Withers said. “I decided that maybe my time as an athlete was over and I was to share what I could with a new and upcoming group of athletes.”
So Withers began applying for different assistant coach and graduate assistant positions across the country. She gained sizable interest from Siena College in Albany, New York.
However, Withers is from Australia, and her Visa would not allow her to take the position. Despite not being able to work at Siena College, the job opportunity did lead Withers to her current position as the assistant women’s soccer coach at Bard College, a Division III school in Dutchess County, New York.
“Steve Karbowski, head coach of the Siena Saints, put in a great word for me to the head coach of Bard College, Bill Kelly, where I was offered the assistant coach position,” Withers said. “It was a no-brainer to accept this great opportunity. Before I knew it, myself and my dog Theo were on a long two-day road trip pulling all our belongings behind us. Since then, it has been an amazing experience, getting straight into preseason and now starting conference matches.”
For Withers, she knew once she was done playing, coaching and sharing what she learned with younger soccer players was what she wanted to do.
“My whole life had revolved around soccer,” Withers said. “It is what I love and being a part of such a successful and amazing team and athletic department at Murray State, I couldn’t imagine leaving the sport and the athletic environment. Being part of a team is like being part of a family, coach or athlete, and that is what I live for. Not only that, but getting to share experiences and knowledge with other college athletes is extremely rewarding. I can’t imagine being in a better profession.”
While Withers is just beginning her coaching career, she hopes to become a head coach someday, but she knows there’s still work to be done.
“I have a lot to learn until then, but [head coaching] is definitely a goal of mine,” Withers said. “As for where, I’m not 100 percent sure. I don’t know if I could ever fill the shoes for head coach at Murray State, but at a school held at the same high regard.”
Withers hopes that as a coach she brings success and can serve as a positive example for her players.
“I want to be successful, not only on the scoreboard, but in creating a team that is mentally and physically strong with depth and grit,” Withers said. “I want to be a role model just like my coaches were for me.”
Withers has a long career ahead of her, and she hopes she will never have to leave her spot on the sidelines helping athletes become better on and off the field.
“If I have to say, I want to have had an impact on my players lives, help them on and off the field and hopefully get a big ring or two too,” Withers said.