Hampton’s Cook comes full circle in committing to play soccer at Rutgers

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, September 14, 2018 | 12:15 AM

How much can you glean from first experiences? Not much, in the case of Harper Cook committing to Rutgers.

His first memory at the New Jersey train station as a 10-year-old wasn’t one he will treasure.

“It wasn’t a horrible experience,” said the senior midfielder, who has helped Hampton boys soccer to a 3-1 start. “’But I was 10 years old, it was an urban area. I didn’t like it. It was a lot for a 10-year-old to take in.”

Cook has taken in a lot of soccer games since the age of 10. As times change, so do opinions. Cook verbally committed to Rutgers in June and is set to become the first Division I soccer player in coach Matt McAwley’s six-year tenure.

“As a sophomore, he was a player that already had the caliber to be a varsity starter and varsity contributor,” McAwley said. “He got a lot of time for me at outside mid that year. His junior and senior year he’s moved into a central mid role where he’s really been able to contribute to the team.”

Cook’s recent contributions to his high school team are the tip of the iceberg. He has been a part of — with the exception of one year — the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Development Academy since 2009.

Some experiences can influence major life decisions.

For one year as a freshman, Cook joined the Columbus Crew Development Academy U13/14 team, an MLS Development Program in Columbus, Ohio.

He made the six-hour round trip three days a week for practice, and thinks every minute was worth it.

“My freshman year was when I thought about playing D1 soccer,” he said. “That was the best year of soccer I ever had. That’s where I grew the most and where I developed the most.

“I got to play against the best competition in the country. That whole MLS atmosphere was eye opening, and that helped me decide.”

Cook credits his head coach at the Crew, James Field, as driving influence.

“He was one of the best coaches I’ve ever had,” Cook said. “He was a big reason why I’m headed to Rutgers. Every coach I’ve had has been really good to me. I think that’s why I’ve loved the game so much.”

That would include McAwley, who sees Cook’s mental prowess as an asset.

“His intellect is what sets him apart,” McAwley said. “His soccer IQ, it puts him above a lot of the guys. He’s smart about the way he plays and puts himself in the right positions.”

“I’ve always thought how I read the game and my vision is my No. 1 thing,” Cook said. “It’s what I pride myself on.”

Cook’s mother Amy and father David, the latter of which was a former star hockey player in the area, have also been major influences.

Sometimes, experiences have a way of coming around full-circle.

“We were looking at a list of colleges and (my dad) thought I should reach out to them,” Cook said. “I said, ‘I don’t like that,’ and I didn’t know why. Probably the experience at the train station. I didn’t realize my dad pushing me to reach out would lead to where I am now.”

Devon Moore is a freelance writer.

Tags: Hampton