Fuquay-Varina's Sofia Harrison relishes World Cup experience, proud of Philippines memorable run

By Ryan Bisesi, WRAL multiplatform producer

Fuquay-Varina, N.C. — A Fuquay-Varina woman is part of one of the most captivating storylines of the Women's World Cup and helped cultivate a memorable run for a country still finding its footing in the soccer world.

Sofia Harrison got to the Triangle through her family. Although Sofia was raised in the U.S., her mother was born in the Philippines. Harrison was named to Philippines' first FIFA Women's World Cup team as a defender in the ultimate moment of her young career.

Philippines made headlines by stunning co-host New Zealand 1-0 in its first win in the tournament as Sarina Bolden scored the game's lone goal. The team did not advance past the group stage, falling to Norway and Switzerland, but captured the hearts of Filipinos and sparked a renewed interest in the sport. Large viewing parties were organized at Philippines malls, and Harrison said the reaction from fans and media was overwhelmingly positive.

Of the 23 World Cup players on the Philippines women's national team, 18 were born in the U.S. Harrison, 24, grew up playing soccer in Maryland and played collegiately at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. Harrison said she was the only athlete to attend a Division II school and play in the World Cup.

While at home, she's continuing to soak in North Carolina culture, including things like Carolina-style barbecue. She said Daddy D's BBQ will cater her wedding next year. Harrison played in The Soccer Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park in June with Far East United.

She spoke with WRAL News about fulfilling a dream.

Q: What were the immediate takeaways from your World Cup experience?

A: It was just a crazy and unbelievable experience. With the coaching staff that we had, we were working with them for about 18 months. Being a part of that journey, we learned a lot about ourselves together as a group and as individuals and to be the first Philippines fútbol team to qualify for the World Cup and then in our maiden World Cup to win a game, it was very special for our country.

Q: How did you wind up in Fuquay-Varina?

A: I live in Fuquay-Varina with my parents. My parents relocated down here and I followed them. My relatives are down here as well so it's nice that we're all around each other.

Q: Tell us about your upbringing in soccer.

A: I started playing when I was 5 or 6 years old. I started playing travel soccer when I was about 7years old. I played with the same club team for my entire youth career. I went a DII school in Pennsylvania called Slippery Rock University. My fourth year I did not have because of COVID, which is unfortunate, but my coach still reminds me that I have one year of eligibility. My freshman year of college I was recruited through social media to try out for the national team so that Thanksgiving of 2017 I went to California with my mom for the tryouts, and the rest is history.

Q: What do you think this campaign means for soccer fandom in Philippines?

A: The main sport in the Philippines is basketball. Soccer hasn't really been seen as a popular sport there. Over the past year or two, since the success that we've had for the women's team, I think the sport has definitely grown. The grassroots programs have improved. A lot more kids, girls and boys, have been looking up to us and have been inspired by us to want to play fútbol. It's a special thing to be a part of.

Q: You just got back from Philippines. What was the reaction from fans there?

A: When we went there last week after being in New Zealand, we were swarmed by reporters and cameras, and we had other people picking up our luggage for us so that we could get on the bus immediately. So that was definitely crazy and unbelievable that after our World Cup appearance people are starting to pick up and starting to actually follow us as a team. I would have never expected that to happen.

Q: The 1-0 win against New Zealand shocked a lot of fans and followers of the sport. What was the team's mindset heading into that game?

A: Last year in September we played New Zealand in a friendly in Fullerton, Calif., and we lost 2-1. But throughout that game, I definitely thought that we could have won. Going into this World Cup match, I didn't really see it as they're the host and we're the underdogs. It was kind of just wanting redemption and wanting to beat them this time around. I think overall everyone on the team had belief right from the start. That really helped push us forward. With the goal that we scored, after that play happened, I think it really sunk in that we can really compete at this level and we're good enough to be here.

Q: What's your status as a player?

A: I was in Germany last year with Werder Bremen. Right now, I'm a free agent, so I'm looking for a club to join. For the time being, I'll just be here in North Carolina with my family. My ultimate goal is to play in the NWSL.

Q: What was playing in the World Cup like?

A: It was unbelievable. We had Filipinos coming in from everywhere. We have a huge Filipino community in New Zealand to begin with. Each game, our support grew more and more. For our last game against Norway, I believe the total count was under 35,000 and about 80 percent of the fans there were Filipinos. It felt like it was a home game for us. That was definitely cool to experience. When we were singing our national anthem, you could hear it loud and clear in the stands. It was really special.