Atiba Harris is a brilliant player with serious experience at the professional and international level. Professionally he has played in 275 MLS matches (215 starts) and contributed 31 goals and 28 assists over an astonishing 19,158 minutes of play. He has spent time with six MLS teams, including Real Salt Lake, Chivas USA, FC Dallas, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Colorado Rapids, and San Jose Earthquakes.
He made a name for himself in MLS, gaining a reputation as a reliable player that could contribute goals, assists, and solid defending from anywhere on the field. His greatest memory was something even more special.
“My biggest memory is stepping on the field as the 1st player from St. Kitts and Nevis to play professionally in the top division in the U.S.”
He also made many great memories during his time overseas with Newcastle United, Cadiz CF, and Club Deportivo Linares. One really stood out to him, something he remembered fondly even today.
“Going to Europe was quite a learning experience for me. Although I didn’t play in the game, I was able to make the matchday squad to participate in the Copa del Rey match versus Osasuna. That for me was a great memory as I was only 18 at the time.”
With OKC Energy FC, Harris appeared in 14 games (14 starts) and played all 1,260 minutes after signing with the USL side on June 27, 2018. It was a productive time for the Saint Peters, Saint Kitts and Nevis native.
“I’m doing what I love so that in itself is my accomplishment. I always want to perform well and win.”
Energy FC head coach Steve Cooke, one of the top coaches in the USL, praised Harris’ work this season.
“Players of his quality bring the level up of everyone around them. He brings a winning mentality and leadership in the dressing room. He brought great solidity to the center back position. I really like him in that role. He has the athleticism and passing and was on a great run of form. He is a great player but also a great person who shows positivity on and off the field.”
Internationally he is a mainstay with St. Kitts and Nevis, having represented the country at the U-13, U-15, U-17, U-20, and U-23 Olympic levels. He made his senior international debut as a 15-year-old in 2000. He has represented his country at the highest level over 60 times, scoring 14 international goals. He’s arguably one of the top players in all of the Caribbean.
“It’s always a pleasure to get called upon to represent my country. My goal is to always go out there and give my best and help my country get positive results. Football has always been the number sport in the federation, especially on the island of St. Kitts. We have many players who can do anything with the ball, but we still have a long way to go in terms of development. I think with time and getting the right pieces in place then the footballing world will really see the true talent which exist in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
The latest challenge he has faced with the national team has been the new CONCACAF Nations League.
“Qualifying for any tournament isn’t as easy as many might think, and with this new Nations League, it isn’t any different. It’s a very unpredictable competition because teams might be stronger or weaker than you think. This new Nations League will definitely be helpful long-term for growth within the region as it gives many opportunities that weren’t always there for smaller nations and also help bigger nations to scout and prepare better as well.”
When asked about his footballing future, Harris replied with an eloquent yet simple answer.
“I don’t look at this as a career. I’m doing what I’ve always loved doing so I’m just going to continue enjoying this beautiful game.”
His passion for the game remains strong even after a long and successful career. This is not the end of Atiba Harris’ story, but rather the beginning as this 33-year-old still has a lot to prove before he hangs up his boots.
Count yourself lucky if you have seen Harris play. He’s a special player that comes along once in a generation and could easily be called the greatest athlete produced by Saint Kitts and Nevis. He’s just that good.
