<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge) Enterprise/CHRIS GOODENOW Shorecrest's Michael Harris demonstrates his flip-throw-in technique where he flips to gain extra momentum to throw the ball farther, following varsity boys soccer practice, Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at Shorecrest High School in Shoreline. (click to enlarge) Enterprise/CHRIS GOODENOW Shorecrest's Michael Harris is one of his soccer team's leaders this year. He poses for a photograph following varsity soccer practice, Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at Shorecrest High School.

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CONTACT THE ENTERPRISE Jocelyn Robinson, News editor jrobinson@heraldnet.com

Grounded Harris is focused on future

By Aaron Lommers
For The Enterprise

When Michael Harris speaks, sometimes it's hard to remember he is just a junior in high school.

Harris, a soccer standout at Shorecrest, has been a multi-sport athlete for years. Since a young age, he has competed in football, basketball and gymnastics. He even gave cross country and wrestling a shot when he was in middle school.

After verbally committing to the University of Washington to play soccer after his graduation in 2010, Harris has decided it's time to narrow his focus. This past summer he chose to focus on soccer alone.

"I've been with both sports for a while, so it was difficult to let them go," Harris said. "I think overall it's for the best and I just wish them luck."

Quite a tough, yet, mature decision for an 18-year-old to make. Harris seems to know soccer gives him an opportunity to succeed in the future.

"I'm going to kind of see how far this takes me," Harris said.

With the Seattle Sounders FC playing in their inaugural season, as well as Portland and Vancouver BC receiving MLS teams, Harris thinks chances will be there after college.

"If I am still passionate about soccer, I will look for a chance to play," he said.

Shorecrest coach Drew Thompson believes with hard work Harris can make it.

Michael has the ability to play professionally at some level," Thompson said. "If he still loves it and he's still passionate about it, he will have a great shot."

It's no surprise that Harris' voice perks up a little when talking about playing professionally.

"It's really exciting. Any sport I was doing I used to pretend I was a professional athlete. I just have to work that much harder, and the chances of being a professional soccer player are pretty high for me," Harris said.

First things first, Harris has to impress those at the UW, and then use his talent against the rest of the Pacific-10 conference.

Harris, who plays midfielder for Shorecrest and defender for his select team, Snohomish United, says the Huskies will most likely use him at outside defender.

"I hope to make an impact, maybe not on the field, but hopefully in practice, and hopefully work my way in there my first year," Harris said.

This season Harris had four goals and six assists on the season. Harris has compiled those stats after missing Shorecrest's first four games. The Scots are 11-1 on the season.

Then there is the trademark flip throw-in.

Harris uses his many years of gymnastics training to do a front hand spring motion, followed by a launch of the ball. Harris says the ball can go about 50 yards if it is a good throw.

According to Harris, the flip throw started about five years ago. "We kind of realized that it was a big threat offensively, and useful on defense," he said.

Harris said that the throw can be used to get the ball out of dangerous territory, or to create an opportunity offensively.

"They don't really know when it's coming," Harris said.

Just a few weeks ago, Harris used the throw to assist teammate Eli Blauser on a goal against Edmonds-Woodway.

"That was pretty exciting," he said.

Though, Harris admits sometimes he just does it for the fans. His coach agrees, but acknowledges its importance.

"It's a great thing for him to have in his tool shed," Thompson said. "That makes him that much more of a special player."

It doesn't seem like there is much that Harris can't do on a soccer field.

"He's quick, he's fast, he can jump, and he is versatile. Honestly I think if I put him in goal and let him practice a little, he'd be a damn good goalie too," Thompson said. "He's got all the tools and they are very well polished."

Harris has been nominated for the Gatorade Washington State High School Player of the Year award for his efforts on the soccer field.

He hopes he and his team can win the District tournament and return to State. He hopes Shorecrest can improve on its last two appearances in the quarterfinals.