Why play College Soccer in the USA?
- Chance to play elite level soccer while earning an academic degree
- Your athletic and academic schedules are organized to support you on & off the field
- Proven pathway to professional and national team opportunities
- Treated like a professional athlete with first class gear, facilities and support staff
- Opportunity to explore the US culture & travel the country to play soccer
Why Harvard University?
- Academically you can earn one of the best degrees in the world
- Highly competitive soccer program. Out of 348 Division 1 teams, Harvard finished in the National Top 25 (top 7%)
- Harvard Soccer has a large international presence with 50% of the roster from outside of the USA
- Proven pathway for players playing for full national teams and turning professional after graduation
- On the outskirts of Boston, Harvard is a global University in an international city
Playing soccer at Harvard allows athletes the chance to play at the highest level while earning a world-class education. You can achieve both at Harvard.
Midge Purce is a great example of what can be accomplished at Harvard. Midge could have gone to any college in the country, but decided to play at Harvard AND earn a world-class education. Midge received her first full USWNT call-up while still a student at Harvard and is now making a huge impact on and off the field. Midge was recently back at the White House fighting for equal pay and was recently named a 30 under 30 by Forbes Magazine. Check out the 1 min video below on Midge's experience at Harvard.
National Teams
Harvard Women's Soccer has a number of current players who are involved with their respective full National Teams. As an example, during the Spring 2023 FIFA Windows, Harvard had four players represent their countries.
- Hannah Bebar started two games for the USA U23 team against France U23s in France
- Josie Hasbo started for Denmark against Norway, Uruguay and Japan. Josie scored her 2nd international goal for Denmark against Norway in a 2-0 win. Josie also played 90 mins for Denmark in a 1-0 win over Japan.
- Aslaug Gunnlaugsdottir started for Iceland against Scotland and Wales and helped Iceland win the Pinatar Cup. Aslaug also assisted on the game winning goal for Iceland in a win over Switzerland.
- At the She Believes Cup, Jade Rose started and played 90 mins for Canada in a 2-0 win over Brazil. Jade also started against Japan and came in off the bench vs the USA. In the USA vs. Canada game Jade was on the field against Harvard Women's Soccer graduate, Midge Purce '17 who plays for USA. Jade also started and played 90 mins for Canada against France.
During the September, 2022 FIFA window, Harvard Sophomore Jade Rose played 90 mins vs. Australia in a 2-0 win for Canada. Check out her interview on shutting down Sam Kerr.
Youth National Teams
In addition to Harvard athletes representing full National Teams we have a number of players with Youth National Team and U20 FIFA World Cup experience.
Harvard in the Pros
Earning the opportunity to play soccer professionally after graduating Harvard is a reality. We have no doubt that there will be many more Harvard alums joining the pro ranks. Here are some of the players who are trailblazing the way for the next generation of ProCrimson.
Watch us Play
We are a dynamic, possession oriented team. The following videos give an insight into our style of play. All of our Fall games are streamed on ESPN+
Style of Play
During our recent trip to Europe we played professional competition. Below are some highlights of our 3-2 win over Liverpool of the WSL in England. (Harvard in Crimson)
Fun to Watch
We truly believe in keeping the ball and trust our players in possession. These two goals in this two minute clip from a spring game highlight our style of play and patience in possession. (Harvard in Crimson)
Breaking Lines
We pride ourselves on being able to break down the opposition and play through lines. The players we recruit and our training strengthen this identity. (Harvard in White, then Crimson)
Counter Attacking
Through defensive organization we become explosive in counter attacking situations and empower our players to be creative and dynamic when going to goal. (Harvard in Crimson)
Please try to catch some of our games on ESPN+ this fall.
Watch the Highlights from last Season
Harvard Women's Soccer, Est. 1977
- Harvard has won 13 Ivy Titles
- 18 NCAA Tournaments
- 26 NCAA Division 1 All-Americans
- 1 MAC Hermann Trophy Finalist
- 3 MAC Hermann Trophy Semi-Finalists
- Youth and Full National Team Players
- Multiple Professional Players, in the US and Europe
Alumnae
Harvard Women's Soccer has over 340 Alumnae who provide incredible support for the current student-athletes and the program. Our Alumnae network organizes mentorship programs, networking opportunities and help with internships and professional or graduate school opportunities. The Harvard Women's Soccer family is incredible.
Paying for Harvard ?
The Ivy League does not allow athletic scholarships. However, Harvard offers unmatched financial aid and the university is committed to making Harvard affordable for all. Please don't let the high sticker price turn you away. The average parent contribution is just $12k and 20% of families play $0 to attend Harvard.
Financial Aid Calculator
The calculator is simply a tool to estimate how much your family will need to contribute for one year at Harvard. You will be asked to provide personal information about your family, and finances. We do not save this information; it is only used within the calculator. The Harvard coaches will be able to provide more insight into the financial aid process and how to make Harvard affordable.
Academics at Harvard ?
Do you have to be a nerd to attend Harvard? No... It may surprise you to learn that 20% of the entire undergraduate student population are varsity athletes. Harvard has 42 sports, by far the most in the nation. There are more athletes on Harvard's campus than any other school in the country. Our soccer team strives for excellence both on and off the field. During the recruiting process our coaches identify student-athletes who will be a good fit for Harvard. Being a nerd is not a pre-requisite, being a dedicated student-athlete is.
Since the Fall of 2019 the team has averaged a 3.76 GPA. At Harvard we do not limit class selection or concentrations (majors). A large percentage of our team are pre-med students. Our supportive culture and access to campus resources allow our athletes to succeed on both sides of the Charles River. Fun fact, the Charles River separates the academic and athletic facilities.
Student Leaders
In addition to the accolades earned on the playing field, members of the Harvard Women's Soccer team are leaders on campus. In May 2021, two of our seniors won prestigious awards at the Senior Letter Winner's Dinner.
Cammie Dopke was awarded the Mary G. Paget Prize which is given annually to the female athlete who has contributed the most to Harvard Athletics. Kimaya Cole was awarded the Radcliffe Prize which is given annually to Harvard's best female athlete. In May of 2023, Lara Schenk was also awarded the Mary G. Paget Prize.
With one of the nicest grass surfaces in the Northeast and access to a turf stadium, Harvard Women's Soccer has the ability to train and play on grass or turf. We also train in the Harvard Bubble in the winter months which allows for indoor full-field activities. Spoiler alert, it gets cold in Boston in the winter months and will snow, but we have you covered!
