From Record-Breaking Athlete to Inspiring College Coach
Introduction
Emily Harris Oberlin is becoming a well-known name in college athletics. She is an English-born athlete and coach who has built an impressive career in both field hockey and ice hockey. From setting NCAA records as a student-athlete to helping transform a college team as a coach, Emily Harris’s journey shows dedication, skill, and leadership.
Today, she serves as the Assistant Field Hockey Coach at Oberlin College in Ohio, where she has already made a strong impact. Her story is one of talent, education, and commitment to helping young athletes grow.
Facts About Emily Harris Oberlin
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emily Harris Oberlin |
| Birthdate | January 24, 2002 |
| Birthplace | Crondall, England |
| Sports | Field Hockey, Ice Hockey |
| College | Vermont State University Castleton |
| Degrees | B.S. Exercise Science (2024), M.S. Exercise & Nutritional Sciences (2025) |
| NCAA Achievements | Record-holder in points-per-game & goals-per-game, 2× NFHCA All-American |
| International Achievements | Gold Medalist, IIHF Women’s World Championship (2022) |
| Coaching Role | Assistant Field Hockey Coach, Oberlin College (2025) |
| Notable Coaching Award | NCAC Coaching Staff of the Year (2025) |
Early Life and Background
Emily Harris was born on January 24, 2002, in Crondall, England. From a young age, she showed a strong interest in sports. Growing up in England, she was introduced to both field hockey and ice hockey, two sports that would later shape her life.
Her natural athletic ability and work ethic helped her stand out. By her teenage years, she was already competing at a high level and earning opportunities to represent her country. These early experiences built the foundation for her future success in college and international sports.
College Education and Academic Path
Emily Harris chose to continue her education and athletic career in the United States. She attended Vermont State University Castleton, also known as Castleton University, on an athletic scholarship.
In 2024, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. This degree gave her a strong understanding of how the human body works, how athletes train, and how performance can be improved through science. While studying, she also worked as a strength and conditioning intern for Castleton’s athletic department. This gave her hands-on experience in training and athlete development.
After finishing her bachelor’s degree, Harris continued her education. She enrolled at the University of Tampa, where she completed a Master’s degree in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences in August 2025. This advanced degree prepared her for coaching, training, and leadership roles in sports.
Her academic background helps her understand not just how to play, but how to train athletes safely and effectively.
Field Hockey Career at Castleton
Emily Harris quickly rose to stardom in field hockey during her time at Castleton, where her speed, sharp instincts, and natural scoring ability set her apart from the competition. From 2021 to 2023, she didn’t just play the game, she dominated it, becoming one of the most productive athletes in NCAA Division III history. Her name now sits at the top of the record books, as she holds national records for both points per game and goals per game, in single seasons and across her career.
Her 2023 season was especially remarkable. Averaging an incredible 5.32 points per game, she posted a national record while scoring 47 goals and collecting 101 total points in just one season. Along the way, Harris also set six all-time records at Castleton, including career goals and career points, leaving behind a legacy that continues to define excellence in the program.
Ice Hockey Success at Castleton
Along with field hockey, Emily Harris also played women’s ice hockey at Castleton. Playing two sports at the college level is very demanding, but Harris managed both with great success.
From 2020 to 2023, she was a regular member of the ice hockey team. In the 2022–23 season, she recorded 14 points (7 goals and 7 assists) in 22 games. Her performance helped her team stay competitive in the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC).
In her senior season, she was chosen as team captain, showing that her teammates and coaches trusted her leadership.
Her ability to succeed in both sports shows her versatility, strength, and strong mental focus.
International Career with Great Britain
Emily Harris has also competed at the international level. She represented Great Britain in both field hockey and ice hockey.
In field hockey, she was selected for the Great Britain women’s national team from 2018 to 2019. Before that, she also played for England at youth levels.
In ice hockey, Harris has been part of the Great Britain women’s national ice hockey team since 2019. One of her biggest achievements came in 2022, when Team GB won the gold medal at the IIHF Women’s World Championship (Division II). This victory was a proud moment for her and her country.
She also competed at the IIHF Division I World Championship in 2023, continuing to represent Great Britain on the global stage.
These international experiences gave her a deep understanding of high-level competition, teamwork, and performance under pressure.
Early Coaching Experience
Even before becoming a college coach, Emily Harris was building her coaching skills.
While at Castleton, she worked as a strength and conditioning intern, helping train athletes from many sports. This role taught her how to design workouts, improve strength, and prevent injuries.
In the United Kingdom, Harris also gained coaching experience:
- She served on the coaching staff of the Basingstoke Bison women’s ice hockey club
- She was an assistant coach for the Winchester Field Hockey Club’s under-18 men’s team
These roles allowed her to work with young athletes and learn how to guide players both on and off the field.
Emily Harris Oberlin Coaching Role
In August 2025, Emily Harris was hired as the Assistant Field Hockey Coach at Oberlin College in Ohio. This was a major step in her professional career.
At Oberlin, she works under Head Coach Jess West. Harris focuses mainly on offensive development, helping players improve their scoring, positioning, and confidence on the field.
Her experience as a top-level scorer and international athlete made her a perfect fit for this role.
Impact on Oberlin Field Hockey
The impact of Emily Harris Oberlin was immediate and impressive.
In the 2025–26 season, Oberlin’s field hockey team showed dramatic improvement. The team scored 40 goals, a huge increase from just 7 goals the previous year. This change showed how much the team’s offense had grown under Harris’s guidance.
Players and fans noticed a new energy and stronger attack on the field. Harris’s knowledge of scoring, movement, and strategy helped the team play with more confidence and skill.
Because of their success, Jess West and Emily Harris were named North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Coaching Staff of the Year for 2025. This award recognized their leadership and the team’s great improvement.
It was also Oberlin’s best season in over a decade, making Harris’s first year even more special.
Awards and Recognitions
Emily Harris has earned many awards throughout her playing and coaching career, including:
| Year(s) | Award / Honor |
|---|---|
| 2021, 2023 | NFHCA Division III All-American |
| Career & Single-Season Records | NCAA Division III Record Holder (Points-per-Game & Goals-per-Game) |
| 2021, 2022, 2023 | Little East Conference Offensive Player of the Year |
| 2022 | IIHF Women’s World Championship Gold Medalist (Great Britain) |
| 2025 | NCAC Coaching Staff of the Year (with Jess West) |
These honors show her success at every level, from college player to international athlete to college coach.
Why Emily Harris Oberlin Matters
Emily Harris Oberlin represents the future of college coaching by combining high-level playing experience, strong training in exercise and nutrition, and a deep passion for helping young athletes grow and succeed.
Her journey proves that hard work, learning, and leadership can take you far. Whether as a record-breaking athlete or a rising coach, Emily Harris continues to make a positive impact on the sports world.
Final Thoughts
Emily Harris’s story is one of growth, determination, and excellence. From a young athlete in England to a successful college star and now a respected coach at Oberlin College, she has shown what is possible with talent and dedication.
As she continues her coaching career, Emily Harris Oberlin is likely to become an even more influential figure in college athletics. Her work at Oberlin is only the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful journey.
