Justin Harrell ’14 Signs with Georgetown University

[FULL STORY]

 

On February 5, 2014, senior Justin Harrell formalized his commitment to Georgetown University in a signing ceremony in the School’s Reynolds Ryan Art Gallery. Justin will go on to join Georgetown’s Hoyas as a wide receiver.

 

With family, faculty, teammates, and classmates looking on, Justin sat before a crowd of well-wishers as Coach Nelson Stewart ’95 addressed the crowd about Justin’s accomplishment as an athlete, student, and leader. Outside the event, Coach Stewart attributed Justin’s success to his strong character. “The first thing is his work ethic,” he said. “Here you have a three-sport star athlete who’s been a captain in all three sports. He never has an off season. He’s a consummate team player; he’s selfless. He is respected by his athletes, coaches, and teachers – and for good reason.”

 

Stewart also said that Georgetown was a perfect fit for Justin. “I think he has a chance to make an immediate impact at Georgetown as a wide receiver, and for him, that’s what makes it such a great choice. I think it’s the perfect school and environment for him, and I think that they are getting a great, high-character kid and a great student-athlete. With the work that he has shown, he’s destined for success,” he said.

 

Justin’s Mother, Natasha, was at the event and was elated at her son’s success. ““I am so proud, it is beyond words. He has worked so hard,” she said. Though it is hard to watch a child go off to college, Ms. Harrell will manage the time through visits and cheering from the stands. “I went with him when he went on a college visit, and I love the town. I will be visiting as much as I can,” she said.

 

For Stewart, it is moments like these that give validation to the hard work he puts forth to teach leadership and football to his athletes: “His signing is one of our proudest moments. It’s bigger than a championship or any individual honor. The reason we coach is to set kids up and put them in a position to have success in life. This puts him on track to be successful later in life. And that’s why we do it; it gives me pride.”