March 19, 2012

By Will Redmond
UT Media Relations

Tennessee midfielder Amy Harrison understands that senior leadership is the catalyst of success for any team. The current junior and soon to be senior leader of the team has accomplished many goals in her time with the Orange and White, but she is not done yet by any means. This upcoming season will be her last opportunity to shape her legacy with Tennessee and Harrison is not going to let the opportunity pass.

"We really want to win the SEC tournament this coming year," said Harrison, "and take the Triple Crown." "We want to be SEC regular season and SEC tournament champions and then obviously make it into the NCAA tournament."

Harrison also knows that the work done in March leading into summer workouts is where championships are truly won and lost. Not only will leadership change with the graduation of last season's senior class but the leadership role at the head coaching position has also seen turnover. The recent hiring of head coach Brian Pensky has yielded immediate results.

"With all the new changes, everyone is more excited. Our team has been getting a hundred times better in the past month," said Harrison

Harrison attributes this seamless transition for the team to coach Pensky's steady implementation of his system.

"(Coach Pensky) is very calm and he is willing to allow us as a team to transition to his coaching style," said Harrison. "Coach is not coming in and changing our whole system immediately. He is willing to learn about us and show us how he coaches. The whole process has been really great."

With this much excitement surrounding the team's offseason workouts, practices have also become more enjoyable.

"It just shows what change can do. The main thing is that everyone is excited to go to practice," said Harrison.

For any player, a senior season is the culmination of hard work, dedication, and loyalty. Reflecting on her time in Knoxville, the Winnipeg, Manitoba native could not help but think back to her first impressions of the university.

"When I came to Tennessee for my first visit it absolutely blew me away," said Harrison, "our stadium is easily one of the best in the country. The team really drew me in as well as the academics (at Tennessee)."

It may only be March, but Harrison is excited for the direction her squad is moving in. Only time will tell the story of the 2012 soccer team, but with senior leadership from players like Amy Harrison, the coming season looks more than promising.

The Harrison File:

Amy Harrison
-Class: Rising Sr.
-Height: 5-6
-Position: Midfield
-Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba
-Hobbies: Hockey