The 2026 women's soccer season at Harding University began with a symbolic passing of the torch as longtime architect Dr. Greg Harris stepped aside after a quarter‑century at the helm, handing the reins to alumna Audrey Adkison. Adkison, a 2016 graduate and former team captain, returns to Searcy after stints as associate head coach and director of recruiting at Abilene Christian University, where she helped shape recruiting pipelines and develop tactical frameworks.
A New Era for Harding Soccer
Adkison's appointment marks more than a change in leadership; it signals a continuation of the program's core values of teamwork, faith and community engagement that Harris cultivated over his 25‑year tenure.
The roster that will wear the Bison colors this fall retains several key contributors from the 2025 championship squad, including midfielders Whitney Thomas and Maysa Willis, defender Skylar Henley, forward Calle Citty and striker Kloey Fullerton. Each of these players helped the team capture the Great American Conference Tournament title and earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament, and they return with the experience needed to sustain the Bison's offensive firepower and defensive solidity.
Coaching staff additions complement Adkison's vision. Her background at Abilene Christian, where she earned United Soccer Coaches '30 Under 30' honors in 2024 and was named Faith‑Based Coach of the Year in 2023, equips her with a blend of analytical insight and a player‑first approach that aligns with Harding's historic emphasis on holistic development.
Harding's program, rooted in the traditions of Harding University and supported by the Great American Conference, continues to leverage its affiliation with United Soccer Coaches for competitive exposure and recruitment resources. The university's commitment to integrating athletic ambition with academic rigor remains a cornerstone of the student‑athlete experience.
Fans can expect a season that blends the program's storied past with a forward‑looking strategy, as Adkison looks to build on the foundation laid by Harris while infusing new ideas from her time at Abilene Christian. The Bison's home matches in Searcy, Arkansas, will serve as a backdrop for what many anticipate will be another deep run in the conference tournament and, potentially, another appearance on the national stage.