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Rockwood's Harrold commits to play for Garrett College's inaugural women's soccer team

ROCKWOOD -- Allison Harrold was the most versatile player on the Rockwood girls soccer team that finished District 5 Class 1A runner-up this past season. Her ability to play a variety of positions helped Harrold earn four all-Somerset County selections throughout her career, including a first-team nod as a junior.

Flanked by parents Jen and JB Harrold, Rockwood senior student-athlete announces her intentions to attend and play soccer at Garrett College, Jan. 24, in Rockwood. Pictured in back, Rockwood Principal Misty Demchak, Rockwood girls soccer head coach Susie Branam, Garrett College women's head coach Brandon Jackson, Jim Harrold and Rockwood Athletic Director Nick Buterbaugh.

The senior will continue her athletic career at the next level, announcing her commitment on Tuesday to play for coach Brandon Jackson on the inaugural Garrett College women's soccer team.

"I am thankful the coach was able to scout me and give me the opportunity to play," said Harrold. "To have the chance to be on the first women's soccer team at Garrett is a great opportunity."

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Harrold, who boasts a 3.97 GPA, will major in accounting for the next two years and then look for a four-year school to finish her collegiate career. She is excited for what lies ahead with the Lakers.

"I like how Garrett is very good with its students. Everyone knows each other," Harrold said. "When I visited, the tour was very nice. It felt like home, honestly."

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Harrold is the treasurer of the Future Farmers of American, secretary of Spanish Honor Society, and a member of National Honor Society.

She thanks her parents, JB and Jen Harrold, her grandfather, Jim for coaching her and opening her eyes to the sport, as well as her other coaches along the way.

Harrold began playing soccer when she was six years old and has continued to evolve as a player over the years. She knew when she was playing AYSO that soccer was something she wanted do pursue. Harrold has also played travel soccer for six years.

Harrold tallied seven goals and a team-leading 21 assists in 2022. Harrold finished her career with 18 goals and 33 assists.

Veteran Rockwood coach Susie Branam knew she had a field general on the pitch in Harrold.

"She has definitely been a leader," Branam said. "She is a girl we could always count on to demonstrate and show sportsmanship on the field. She is an all-around leader. She would play any position we asked her to play, and she always gave 110%."

Branam understands Harrold's impact on the field the past four years.

"The best part is being able to see her continue to do something that she loves to do," Branam said. "She never quits. Almost every game, she played the entire game. She had to be tired but kept going and never lost a step. She can distribute the ball, score or play defense if we needed her to. She is above and beyond, and we are going to really miss her."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Rockwood's Harrold becomes member of 1st Garrett College soccer team