WVU forward Josiah Harris will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communications this December — as a sophomore.
“It’s honestly just a testament to my parents because they just put me in the right classes, and I just take the classes and get it done and just do my work,” Harris said.
Just 19 years old, Harris completed his degree requirements last spring and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in executive sport management. He plans to complete this by the end of the year and continue his education afterwards to earn his MBA and may look to pursue something further when that is complete.
Harris started earning college credits in his sophomore year at Richmond Heights High School in Cleveland, Ohio by taking a combination of AP classes and dual enrollment courses at Lakeland Community College. By his senior year, he primarily took classes at the local college and played basketball for his high school team.
In regards to his personal motivations in education, Harris points mostly to his family members.
“My biggest thing is when I see my siblings growing up, I want to be not just a great role model for them on the basketball court but off the court as well, just showing them that it’s bigger than sports,” Harris explained. In addition, he also expressed interest in sharing his graduation with the older generations of his family.
“My great-grandma she said before she passes away, she wanted to see me graduate, so I feel like that’s an amazing thing that I get to accomplish and see her face while I’m walking on the stage.”
Harris also shared his excitement for playing under coach Josh Eilert. While the forward believes in Eilert’s vision, the interim head coach showed he reciprocated that respect for his player.
“You just don’t hear that from college athletes anymore,” Eilert said about Harris’s dedication. “He’s taking advantage of what’s put in front of him, while someone’s paying for it. He’s going to take as many classes as possible and get the best possible education.”
Harris played in 17 games last season, averaging just over six minutes per game, and is expected to increase his role on the court going forward.
Photo by Wesley Shoemaker, Blue Gold Sports
