Attending the May 9 signing ceremony were: front row, from left, Jason Brand (father), Harley Brand and Angel Brand (mother); back row, from left, Morgan Hendrickson (NAHS women's soccer coach), Chris Murphy (SSU women's soccer coach).
Written by Mark Carpenter
Defender of the People
Yet another North Adams High School student/athlete has made a decision about where to continue his athletic and academic career. Multi-sport athlete Harley Brand signed a letter of intent on May 8 to join Shawnee State University's women's soccer program. The signing ceremony was held in the North Adams High School gymnasium.
Brand has been an integral part of the success of the Lady Devils' football and basketball programs and will continue her collegiate career on the field at SSU. She left North Adams with a name in the soccer record books for her outstanding performance as the Lady Devils' goalie. She holds school records for career shutouts (33) and single-season shutouts (12).
Brand's college choices narrowed down to Shawnee State University (NAIA) and D1 Delaware State University, but in the end, Brand decided to stay in Ohio.
“I ultimately didn't like the idea of being nine hours away from my family, especially the first year, so I felt Shawnee was the best fit,” she explained. “Shawnee's football program has actually gotten a lot better over the last few years, so I think going to Shawnee will improve it a lot.”
Brand's goals have given the Lady Devils soccer team a lot of success and a long tournament, but one moment stands out as a highlight for Hurley.
“It's definitely the first district championship in women's soccer history. It was the best season I've ever played.”
The honor of coaching Harley Brand in high school goes to Morgan Hendrickson, who praises the talent she received under her tutelage.
“Hurley is one of those gifts that a lot of coaches probably get a few times in their career,” North Adams girls soccer coach Morgan Hendrickson said. Thankfully, I've seen two goaltenders break through North Adams with pure talent. I watched Harley in elementary and middle school and knew from then on that she would be a great goalie. She has a God-given talent for defending goals. Throughout her four years, I have seen her grow so much. As a freshman, she came in without any high school experience due to COVID-19, which meant a learning curve for her. Although she was shy and timid at first, she quickly took the initiative and even at the age of 14 she realized that her skills were far superior to most of her seniors. ”
“Her performance over the last few years has been truly incredible. She has contributed greatly to our success and it will be incredibly difficult to replace her. I am very proud of her accomplishments on the field.” I'm even more proud of the great young woman and role model she is.”
While at Shawnee University, Hurley plans to earn a Bachelor of Science degree with the goal of becoming a pediatric anesthesiologist.
Shawnee State is an NAIA member school, the Bears compete in the River States Conference, and coach Chris Murphy's women's soccer team finished 8-10-1 last season.