Harris elects not to attend Pan American Games

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - On Monday, Head Coach Nick Conway announced the 16-man team that will travel to Guadalajara, Mexico for the XVI Pan American Games and attempt to secure a spot in the 2012 London Olympic Games.

But, one familiar name was left off.

Pat Harris (Moorpark, CA), one of the premier players in the Pan American region, has elected to not participate in the Pan Ams after earning a spot on the original 16-man roster. Instead, Harris will remain in the Netherlands to pursue a career opportunity with an organization called Onesails.

“It is really disappointing that Pat’s employment situation does not allow him to take part in the Pan American Games,” remarked Terry Walsh, Technical Director of High Performance. “Without a doubt, Pat has proven himself to be one of, if not, the best player in the Americas. This of course, has some impact on the group, however, I have been impressed by the manner in which the group has taken this in their stride.”

Harris will join Onesails, a custom sail production company, in the division of market research, data analysis and development.

“Onesails is constantly evolving, and I am hoping, along with the company, I will also have the opportunity to grow and gain valuable working experience,” says Harris.

Harris has been a member of the Men’s National Team for eleven years and was a member on the Junior National Squad prior to that. Harris moved to the Netherlands two years ago with the intent of advancing his game at the international level. In April of this year, Harris was recognized as Player of the Week in the Hoofdklasse League, the highest division of Dutch hockey.

Harris captained the team at Champions Challenge II in Lille, France in July where he was the leading goal scorer for USA and was declared player of the tournament, a commendable achievement given the high quality of opposition.

"We are obviously disappointed that Pat has elected to withdraw himself from the Pan American Games to focus on his long-term employment and lifestyle opportunities in Holland.  While we are disappointed not to have Pat on the team, as he is clearly a world class player, we must respect and support his personal choices and move on accordingly.”

It is clear Harris’s presence both on and off the pitch at the biggest tournament of the year will be sorely missed.

“While this is a setback to our preparations it is one that we feel that we can absorb,” said Conway. “Our preparations are very much on track and with over a month to go before our opening match against Cuba we remain extremely confident that we have the depth of quality to hit our targets in Guadalajara.”

Harris’s decision was not simple. In fact, electing to not participate in the Pan American games was “one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life. Family, teammates and coaches have all been affected by the outcome. This is not an ideal situation, but at this point in my life, choosing my working career over hockey is a choice I feel is best for my future.”

Harris has been an exceptional performer and a praiseworthy leader for the USA Men’s Team over the years. His imprint will be permanent. USA Field Hockey wishes Harris success with his chosen endeavors.

“I sincerely hope this is not the end of my career with USA Field Hockey,” said Harris. “For now, my life is headed in a different direction, but given the chance, I would like to be involved in future tournaments.”