For 6 years, Cal South ODP alumnus Sarah Teegarden Harkes traveled around the world competing at the highest level. She consistently trained and challenged herself to improve physically and mentally, learning how to be resilient, a team player, and a leader.
A graduate from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, she learned valuable skills in leadership, management, strategy, and innovation. She represented Wake Forest University, where she was a varsity soccer player, and captain. On this episode of “The Bear & the Ball,” Sarah describes her journey.
GUEST BIO:
“I grew up in Southern California, playing for Arsenal and Slammers, and Cal South ODP. I went to Wake Forest University to play D1 soccer on a scholarship. At Wake Forest, I was a 4-year player and 3-year captain, making the 2013 ACC All-Freshman Team, the 2016 NSCAA All-Southeast Region Second Team, 2016 ACC All-Academic Team, All-ACC Second Team, Preseason All-ACC, and ACC Academic Honor Roll in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
“I graduated a semester early in December of 2016 to play professional soccer. My first year as a pro I played in Sweden in the Damallsvensken for Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC, starting 19 out of 22 games. My second year as a pro I signed for the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL as National Team Replacement Player. That year our team won the NWSL Shield, the NWSL Championship, and the inaugural women’s ICC Tournament. Then in 2019 I played a half a season with LOSC in D1 Feminine in Lille, France. We made it to the Coupe de France Final, losing to Olympique Lyon. In 2020 I signed for Celtic FC Women as the first woman to receive a working visa to play professional football in Scotland. In my 3 years at Celtic we played in the UEFA Champions League, won the 2021 Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup and the 2022 Scottish Women’s Cup. After the final game of the season, winning the Scottish Women’s Cup in May of 2022, I retired from professional football.
“While I was playing professional soccer, I got my Master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine University online. I now work for Boston Scores, a non-profit after-school program that provides soccer and enrichment to inner city kids. I am passionate about using soccer as a tool for social change and empowering people to achieve their full potential.”
“The Bear & the Ball” is also available on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and most other major podcast platforms. You can also access our full archive of past “The Bear & the Ball” episodes here.
