An All-American story
Norwin soccer star is cheered on by her biggest fan
Alina Harrigan is hard to miss at Norwin High School girls’ soccer games. She’s the one holding up homemade signs while cheering on her favorite player, cousin Emily.
“Alina’s my inspiration,” Emily Harrigan said.
A 13-year-old sixth grader, Alina Harrigan has Down Syndrome.
And while she may never score 86 career goals (like Emily) or lead the program to back-to-back WPIAL championships (like Emily) or be named a national AllAmerican (like Emily was last Friday), know this: Her impact is palpable.
“She’s a huge part of my success,” Emily Harrigan said of her cousin, who proudly wears a jersey with Emily’s No. 23 on the back. “Even if it’s freezing, I’ll find her in the stands. She always has a smile on her face, and every time I see her she just lights up the room.”
Each spring, Emily reciprocates the devotion shown by Alina by competing with her in Unified Track and Field, a program in which students with and without disabilities participate together. It is another way for the Harrigans to connect through athletics.
A highlight was a weekend trip to Shippensburg University during the PIAA Track and Field Championships last May. There, the Unified competitors shared the venue with the PIAA stars.
“We actually got to see Norwin win the 4 by 400 (boys) championship,” said Emily, an honors student who is editor of the yearbook and president of Students Against Destructive Decisions (a program promoting sound choices for young people). “It was a great experience for us.”
Harrigan’s soccer experience at Norwin is winding down.
With the WPIAL playoffs commencing this weekend, she and the Knights (14-1-1, 81-1 WPIAL Class 4A Section 4) are seeking a third consecutive championship and a first PIAA title since 1996.
A senior forward and Rutgers recruit, Harrigan likely gained postseason momentum after being selected to the Girls High School AllAmerican Game, which will be played Dec. 2 in Orlando.
One of 40 players chosen, her success with the Riverhounds Club (three national championships) and her voluminous accomplishments at Norwin (including PostGazette Player of the Year honors in 2016) made her a can’t-miss selection.
It also didn’t hurt that she plays for a Knights team that has outscored the opposition 85-6, was ranked No. 1 nationally by TopDrawerSoccer.com, has registered 11 shutouts and features nine players set to play collegiately next season.
Madi Genicola (Duquesne), Lexy Kendro (Duquesne), Alissa Victor (Duquesne), Sam Wexell (Ohio) and Harrigan are off to Division I programs. Sophomore Eva Frankovic (Kent State) will follow in 2019. Katy Ericson (Slippery Rock), Emily Arnold (Slippery Rock), Julia Scamardi (Seton Hill) and Michelina Rush (Baldwin-Wallace) will also play at the next level. Humble by nature, Harrigan, who leads Norwin with 19 goals and 12 assists, credited those teammates for helping her earn national acclaim. “My success comes from the people I’m surrounded by,” said Harrigan, who’s been featured in Sports Illustrated’s Faces in the Crowd. “I literally get to step onto the field with some of the most talented players around. They’ve made me the person I am today, the player I am today.”
To watch Harrigan play, according to coach Lauren Karcher, is to fully appreciate her dynamic and diverse skill set. Her goals have come via sliding kicks, headers and forceful shots. She is also a great facilitator, evidenced by her 58 career assists.
“She makes the imposs ib l e possible,” said Karcher, whose team’s lone loss and tie this season came against section rival Penn-Trafford. “Almost once a game, you’ll see her perform a move you haven’t seen before. She has a way of contorting her body and making unbelievable plays; she looks like a basketball star when she’s leaping for balls. There have been a lot of entertaining moments.”
Harrigan is hoping for a few more over the next several weeks. Surely, cousin Alina would approve.
“She’s my biggest fan,” Harrigan said, before adding, “But ... I’m her biggest fan, too.”