Shadow Ridge is full of many miraculous Mustangs, one in particular is senior Daijah Harrison. Harrison is a four year member of both the Shadow Ridge track and field team as well as the flag football team. Harrison has been an exemplary student over her time at The Ridge though she has had to find ways to balance both her athletic and academic responsibilities.
“My advice is to stay on top of it. Being an athlete and student, to excel in both you have to be interested in what you’re learning. Interest shows dedication and effort. You should want to make something of your education because then being able to play worry free of grades is like a reward,” Harrison shares.
Harrison has taken her talent to the track team all four years she’s been at Shadow Ridge and has piled up many accomplishments along the way.
“I have been throwing for four years and the highlights of my career are probably getting my first medal, as well as qualifying for regionals. It takes hard work, dedication and switching from sport to sport is mentally taxing so I had to work for those accomplishments,” says Harrison.
Not only have accomplishments pile up but also amazing memories she gets to take with her.
“Probably going out with my throwers after every invite and coach Mike are some of my favorite track moments. That man is a character. Also this is probably the closest our group has been so we’ve made it a tradition to hangout after our Saturday meets,” Harrison says.
Being a dual sport athlete comes with double the memories, along the trek to state championships, Harrison was able to set aside time to enjoy all the moments with her teammates.
“My favorite moments in flag football are probably the summer workouts and our out of town tournament. It just brings us all together. My favorite moments on track are probably our out of state meets, it’s so nice to be with the people who push you and also knowing your teammates outside of school,” Harrison says.
All of her hard work paid off as she was able to compile a list of impressive accomplishments through her years as a Mustang.
“I am proud to say I am a 3x regional qualifier, state champion, defensive MVP, all star team member, 4th all time in sacks, and a team captain on flag football,” says Harrison.
Harrison has been an influential part of both teams she has been a part of and will leave behind her knowledge for future athletes to learn from.
“As a senior, I just want to leave an impact that I was a mentor and a student but also one of the best, like they hear my name and just remember my talent,” says Harrison.
Harrison will be taking her magnificent mind to the next level as she plans to attend college in North Carolina to study to become a nurse.
“After high school I plan to attend NCAT State University and get my RN,” Harrison says.
