Columbia River’s Alex Harris is named Gatorade state player of the year in boys soccer
Harris is first Clark County athlete to earn Washington honor since 2016
By Tim Martinez, Columbian
Assistant Sports Editor
Published: June 16, 2022, 1:48pm
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Columbia River's Alexander Harris, right, carries the ball against WF West's Cameron Kunz in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs. (Photo by Steve Dipaola)
Columbia River Alex Harris has been selected as the Gatorade Washington state player of the year for boys soccer for 2021-22, Gatorade announced Thursday in a press release.
The 5-foot-10 junior forward scored 51 goals and added 12 assists this season, leading the Rapids to a 23-1 one season and third place in the 2A state tournament.
He was the 2A Greater St. Helens League offensive player of the year, recording 10 hat tricks this season. He also scored eight of River’s 12 goals in the state tournament.
“Alex was phenomenal this season,” Hockinson head coach Tony Ayala said of Harris. “What makes Alex so dangerous and effective in his play off the ball and his soccer IQ. He constantly puts himself in dangerous positions, and he is deadly when he gets his foot on the ball. His ability to one-touch the ball off the run with precise accuracy is remarkable.”
Harris is the first player from a Clark County school to be selected as the Washington Gatorade state player of the year in boys soccer since Camas’ Bennett Lehner earned the honor is 2016. Other local Washington state players of the year included Carter Johnson of Skyview (2013-2014), Nick Palodichuck of Camas (2010) and Brent Richards of Camas (2008).
The Gatorade honor goes to high school athletes who not only shine on the field but also show excellence in the classroom and display exemplary character on and off the field.
A member of River’s International Baccalaureate program, Harris has maintained a weighted 4.30 GPA.
He has also volunteered locally with the Salvation Army and at a pharmacy distribution center, as well as serving as a youth soccer coach.
As the state player of the year, Harris is now a finalist for the Gatorade national player of the year, which will be announced later this month.
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