When Atiba Harris signed a new multi-year contract on January 3rd, it represented a major coup for Energy FC. The club was a getting lot as part of Harris’ resigning; he was, after all, the captain of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Team and a seasoned MLS veteran.
Harris played 276 matches in the U.S. top flight, most recently with FC Dallas, where he made 85 appearances and scored five goals. He also has MLS experience with Real Salt Lake, Chivas USA, Vancouver Whitecaps, Colorado Rapids, and San Jose Earthquakes. Harris has also scored 10 goals and earned 40 caps for his native country. He is also currently a nominee for CONCACAF’s Male Defender of the Year.
Energy FC signed Harris in June of 2018, and the defender went on to make 14 appearances and help keep five clean sheets.
Harris was quite modest when asked what he will bring back to the team.
“For me, I’m just another piece to an already great group of guys and I’m sure it will show on the field.”
It was clear that Harris was happy with his time in OKC and wanted to plant roots there, citing “the club’s ambition and family” as main reasons for his return. Simply put, he loves being in OKC.
“Yes, it’s been great to my family and I. The people are very welcoming. It’s very family-oriented, great schools, and lots of space for our children to play.”
He has a lot of plans for 2019 and beyond.
“We want to be a good group first and foremost. On the playing side of things, we are hoping to be the top club in the league at the end of the season. I’m hoping that we can win many games and championships during this time.”
Those plans include continuing to be involved in the community. Harris has always been seen as a very charitable and community-oriented person.
“I’m already involved in charitable work back in St. Kitts and Nevis with my foundation. Providing opportunities for kids who are less fortunate is important to me as well as helping the elderly who is important in society but may not be physically able to do things as freely as before. Overall, it’s about helping people where I can as we need each other.”
His focus on charity surely comes from his humble beginnings.
“It’s extremely humbling especially when I look back to the days when we had detached kitchen, shower, and toilet growing up. Now, my family and I can rest comfortably so it’s all blessings from the creator.”
Those blessings have continued on the pitch as Harris is regarded by many as one of the top players ever produced in the Caribbean. There’s no question that he is easily the best player that St. Kitts and Nevis has ever seen.
Most recently he has led the Sugar Boyz to a strong showing in the CONCACAF Nations League, but he isn’t done yet.
“Our game in March versus Suriname is a very important one. Winning this game will assure us of a spot in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup. This is huge for us as this will be the first time for our country so we’re all focusing on this task.”
Energy FC fans and supports should be excited about this move as it is one of the biggest in all of USL this offseason. Energy FC head coach Steve Cooke knows that he has something special in Harris.
“Everybody in the club knows that when he came into our program last season, he really made a big difference. Not only as a player but off the field as well. I think he’s a really great human being as well as a mentor to many of the younger players.”
Every team should have an Atiba Harris, but only one team is lucky to have the real thing. A national team captain, a veteran of 12 MLS seasons, and a man of great character, Harris is ready to lead in OKC for years to come.
