Congrats to Izzie Harrison on winning our January 2024 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Izzie plays as a striker for our Rapids 09G South ECNL-RL team and is recognized by her teammates and coaches for her role as a leader and a well-rounded individual. She excels not only on the field but also in philanthropy and academics.
This past season, Izzie showcased her talent as one of the standout players on her team and played a critical role in their undefeated record. She contributed significantly to their offensive output with 9 goals and 6 assists in 15 games. Her outstanding performance earned her a coveted spot in the ECNL training squad. Beyond her athletic achievements, Izzie is actively involved in various school and extracurricular activities. She is a member of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), serves on the Northfield HS student council, and mentors in creative writing. She also dedicates her time to the Food Bank of the Rockies, Judi’s House, Thriving Families/MotherWise, and the Girl Scouts.
This February, Izzie will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge her achievements. We spoke with Izzie to learn a bit more about her. Check out the full interview below!
What influence has soccer had in your life?
I started soccer to just play. But now it means much more to me than that. It has taught me core values and now truly is part of who I am. It taught me good sportsmanship, how to lead or help my teammates succeed, and what I think is the most important is the ability to be coached and listen to adults (which has also helped me in other parts of my life as well).
Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?
I believe that I was nominated for this award because my coach has had faith in me since day one. He has supported me throughout this whole season watching me grow and helping me develop as a player. He is always working to find a way to bring me up to the next level and perform to my highest ability. He has seen my capability in other aspects of my life as well, whether that be my grades or participation in other activities outside of soccer.
What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?
I have enjoyed playing with the Rapids for a multitude of reasons. I love the people I have gotten to play with and make many friends throughout the years. I’ve been playing soccer since I was 3-years-old and played with some people in rec leagues who I am again playing with at an elite level. The Rapids have also given me opportunities that I would’ve never dreamed about such as playing in Spain and in a session with USWNT players Lindsey Horan and Mallory Pugh.
What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?
This past ECRL season my team finished top of our bracket with zero losses and zero goals scored against us. I think our record reflected well on our team and gave me a great sense of accomplishment and made me proud to be part of this team.
What academic achievement are you most proud of?
When I was in 8th grade, my language arts teacher nominated me to be a creative writing mentor at a nearby elementary school. This was an achievement because they only selected three 8th graders out of 500 students. One of the reasons I am so proud of this is because I didn’t consider myself a strong writer and it felt good to be seen as someone who could help younger students improve their writing skills.
How do you think your teammates would describe you?
My teammates would describe me as a strong leader and someone who listens. I think they also like the fact that I can bring levity to a situation and help lift the spirits of the team. My teammates know that I care about them.
What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?
When I was in elementary school I was recognized with the Inclusive award a couple of times. I am always looking for a way to get people involved and don’t ever want anyone to feel left out. Once, when we had a new player join mid season, I wanted her to feel accepted and like she was part of the team so I let her know she could come to me anytime she needed to with questions and that she could trust me.
What’s your favorite soccer player and team?
My favorite team is the U.S. Women’s National Team. I look up to them and love that so many of their players are from Colorado. They are strong role models and remarkable women.
What do you hope to pursue in the near future?
I have always had an interest in the medical field. I love the idea of helping people in any way possible and want to make a career of it. Along the path I would also like to play college soccer if given the chance.
Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!
There is a dad from one of my teams who inspires me. He not only played soccer in college but became a doctor. He has taken the time to help me with my soccer skills and explore my interest in medicine. He continues to astonish me in all the various things he has accomplished and the more time I spend with him the more I strive to be like him.
What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?
I love to challenge myself in a varity of sports including, basketball, softball, skiing, swimming, and diving. I am also part of three clubs at my school; Student Council, Students Demand Action, and HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). Along with that, I have volunteered with MotherWise for the past 5 years, been a Girl Scout, and recently volunteered at Food Bank of the Rockies
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
