Standing at six feet, two inches, with numerous national titles and a broken IUP long jump record (on his first jump!) under his belt, he sets a pretty high standard for athletes everywhere. Nafee Harris, 24,was born in New Jersey but raised in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. He has made history at IUP and his legacy will continue to shine—with his picture painted on the walls of the KCAC alongside other outstanding student athletes, Harris is the only one that holds a title no other will share. He has won more national titles than any IUP athlete in school athletic history.
The key to success comes from hard work, dedication and persistence, all qualities that Harris has learned over his five years of participating in track and field. His love of track of field stems from the fact that he is responsible for himself and the success he receives. “You do not have to rely on someone else being on their game or worry about someone else messing up,” he states. It is an individual sport and you are up against a lot of competition, the end result is hoping you are the best man that wins.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and taking on life after college, Harris shares his enthusiasm, stating, “I miss the team atmosphere and it feels very weird being done because being in school was all I’ve known most of my life”. Now an alumnus of IUP, Harris has continued his love for track by crafting other athletes to be the best they can be by taking on the task of a volunteer track and field assistant coach.
What is next for the student that broke school records time after time, the young man who exceeded the expectations of those around him, the man who has now surpassed all the negative things to come out on top a victor? As simple as it may sound, all Nafee Harris is looking for is to move forward and find a good coaching position. He also has plans to become a professional Track and Field athlete, which he is currently training for.
With all the wonderful things lined up in his future, Harris is most proud of his accomplishments with winning his national titles—that is significant because even he doubted himself and did not believe he could win, “let alone 4 times”, he shares. Coming back from numerous injuries suffered, Harris has performed through all circumstances to represent his Alma Mater and write his name in the sands of the long jumppit.