Kenzie Harris Q&A
Kenzie Harris is in her sixth year with the Orange. Learn more about the Rochester, N.Y. native in this Q&A.
How old were you when you started playing lacrosse and what made you pick up the sport?
“I think I was four. My brother was playing and I saw his stick so I went in the backyard with it and started fooling around and stuck with it.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I played basketball and volleyball in high school. Growing up I did every possible sport you can think of, but none of them stuck.
Do you think playing those other sports helped you as a lacrosse player?
Definitely. I think being on any team helps you develop. I knew I wanted to go to college for lacrosse but all of those little things I learned in those other sports I took with me to now be here with my teammates.
Were you a Syracuse fan growing up?
Oh yeah. Huge Syracuse fan. My whole room was orange in blue.
Did you have a favorite player?
Honestly, no. It was just the concept of the whole program. Not just lacrosse – I just love everything. Orange was just my thing so I Syracuse became my favorite team.
What’s your major?
Human development and family sciences.
What do want to do after school?
The goal right now is to do the whole music thing first and see if that works out. I really don’t know what I’m doing (other than that). I’m just taking it day by day.
Was music always such a big part of your life?
I always loved music but it was when I tore my ACL the first time out of the numerous times I have. I needed to find something else because when I lost (lacrosse), I felt like I lost my whole identity. Then I realized you can be more than just one thing. Finding music changed my life 100 percent.
Before that, had you taken any lessons?
I did chorus in middle school. I would sing around the house but nothing seriously at all.
Do you have a favorite musical artist?
I like pop. I really like Chelsea Cutler and Justin Bieber. Song writing is a huge thing for me so people who write good songs, I like them a lot.
You were on Instagram Live with Justin Bieber last year. What affect did that have on you?
I think, if anything, it gave me confidence that I was doing something that could impact in a different way because I struggle with confidence in a lot of things, even lacrosse. So getting reassurance and being noticed by someone who has been so inspiring to me was emotional. Also, I don’t remember the Instagram Live because there was too much going on, but it was definitely one of the coolest experiences ever.
How will you reflect on your time at Syracuse?
I have my lifelong friends. The things I’ve learned from them – resilience, especially with all the injuries the last two years. Last year, I wasn’t injured, but seeing our main players go down and all of us come together – it just shows that family and love can overcome so many things.
Do you have any pregame rituals?
My role this year is to be the hype up man. So I just go around and get everyone hyped up. I’m annoying. I limp around, give pregame hugs, I do the handshakes. I just want to hype my people up.
What goes into developing a handshake with your teammates?
Just simple. It’s something that at the start of the game when people are nervous, especially when we play these big games, seeing a familiar face going out to start the game is calming and we have a good laugh and the go out and kick butt. That’s the goal for it.
Which teammate is the funniest?
The whole team is actually really funny. I would have to say Meaghan Tyrrell. She doesn’t even know she’s funny, yet she’s the funniest person I’ve met in my life. It doesn’t make any sense.
Which teammate is the most fashionable?
Savannah Sweitzer. I think she has the coolest swag.
Is there a best cook on the team?
Delaney Sweitzer is a very good cook and so is Emma Tyrrell.
Who is the best dancer?
Sarah Cooper has the best dance moves I’ve ever seen. Even though she is horrible, her moves are still the best
