Harrison Earns Success in the Classroom and on the Soccer Field

By Abram Choate ’98, assistant director of athletics for athletic communications

Since coming to HPU, Kaitlyn Harrison has excelled both on and off the field. As a leader in the women’s soccer program, she is a two-time Honorable Mention AllConference selection as a defender and midfielder. As an athletic training and Guy D. Newman Honors Academy student, she carries a 4.0 cumulative grade point average, has been twice named Academic All-Conference, has been twice named to the American Southwest Conference Distinguished ScholarAthlete Team for women’s soccer and was the 2018 HPU Female Outstanding Scholar-Athlete. Harrison, now a senior, might never have attended Howard Payne if not for 2009 graduate Brandon Badgeley. He first introduced her to HPU as her high school soccer coach at Haltom High School in Haltom City and later become her head coach at HPU in the spring of 2016. She attributes much of her athletic success to Coach Badgeley’s influence from high school and college.

What was it like to play for Brandon Badgeley in high school? KH: When we first heard that the coach before him was leaving (Badgeley came to Haltom High School her sophomore year), I was sad to see the previous coach leave. I did not know what to think about Coach Badgeley. Over the course of the next season, he was very open to being there for us and helping us with what we needed. Now, he is one of my favorite coaches I have ever had at any level.

an HPU student-athlete? KH: The first time I ever heard of HPU was through Coach Badgeley because he was encouraging one of my older teammates to go to HPU. Even though he was at Cedar Hill High School my senior year, that planted the seed for myself and another player to attend.

How did you hear he was coming to Howard Payne as the head coach? KH: After HPU announced to the team that the head coaching position was open, some teammates and I texted Coach Badgeley, asking if he would apply. A couple of weeks later, I was walking through the Mabee Center and there he was, on campus to interview.

What has the experience been like to play for him at the collegiate level? KH: He really tries to know the players – not just as players but as people. He is also open to talk to, even though he might not agree. You still feel he will listen. He makes it fun while still working hard.

Tell us about your performance on the field the past two seasons. KH: I was surprised with the honors for my sophomore season because I am not naturally a defender. I was playing out of position because we did not have a lot of depth. During my junior year I was more comfortable playing as a midfielder, which allowed me to thrive.

What is your favorite experience or fondest memory of Howard Payne so far? KH: Overall, spending time with the soccer team when we travel is fun. Every year on our way to the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, we have a talent show. It really gets everyone laughing.

What are your future plans after Howard Payne? KH: I want to attend graduate school and study exercise physiology. Afterward I’d like to work at the high school level as an athletic trainer.

As a winner of multiple academic awards, tell us about your success in the classroom. KH: Majoring in athletic training along with the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy, my whole goal coming into college was to get the best grades I could. It gave me a boost of confidence when I started well, and it keeps motivating me to keep doing well.

“My whole goal coming into college was to get the best grades I could. It gave me a boost of confidence when I started well, and it keeps motivating me to keep doing well.”