Angela Harris Signs Professional Contract With Panathinaikos

NJIT women's soccer alumna Angela Harris has signed a professional contract to play for Greek club Panathinaikos A.C. during the 2023-24 season, the club announced Wednesday.

"I am super excited for this next chapter and incredibly grateful to the Highlander family for helping me achieve this dream," Harris said after finalizing her agreement. "I'm especially thankful for Coach Ally for preparing me on and off the field for the last five years and for pushing me to a level I never knew I had. Also, thank you to Coach Ariana for her dedication and time spent on my growth as a player before my departure for Greece."

"I can't express how proud we are of Ang for signing a professional contract to continue her playing career. During her time at NJIT, she has been one of the hardest workers, best teammates and a great student of the game. Her signing this contract is a culmination of all she has put into this sport. It also shows the growth of our Women's Soccer program here at NJIT and will inspire our players to follow in her footsteps. We are excited to follow her professional career because it is just beginning," NJIT head coach Ally Nick said of Harris.

Harris - the first Highlander to sign a pro contract under Nick's tutelage - appeared in 55 contests (21 starts) across four seasons for the Highlanders (2018-19, 2021-22), tallying a goal and four assists over her career. More than half of her caps (29), starts (19) and points (1 G, 2 A) at NJIT came after sitting out the 2020 campaign due to injury, a testament to her work ethic and perseverance.

Another example of Harris' impact on the NJIT program: the Highlanders reached their conference tournament - in two different leagues - each year she was active (2018, 2019 ASUN Tournament; 2021, 2022 America East).

In a statement to club website PAO1908.com, Harris said: "I am happy to compete in Greece on behalf of Panathinaikos. I can't wait to get down to business. I wish us good health and we will fight to achieve our goals." In their release, the club stated that they expect Harris to "further strengthen the team's attack."

Panathinaikos A.C.'s women's football team operates as part of the Athens-based multi-sport club Panathinaikos A.O. The club will play in Greece's A Division in 2023-24 after earning promotion in 2022-23 by finishing atop their group in the Greek B Division.