By Ashley Springer, USU Athletic Media Relations

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State senior midfielder Lauren Harmon started playing soccer when she was around 5 or 6 years old because her whole family played.

"I just watched all my older siblings grow up doing it, so I followed what they did," Harmon, who is one of six children, said. "And then it turns out I ended up being the one going the furthest with it."

Harmon certainly has come far. She has played consistent minutes in all her four seasons at Utah State, starting in every match during her sophomore and junior seasons, and playing in every match as a senior.

Utah State head coach Heather Cairns said it has been Harmon's confidence where she's seen growth.

"We kept pushing her like, `We see more in you,'" Cairns said. "She's done some things here in terms of fitness and stuff on the field that she was a little unsure she could do, but she rose to the challenge and had that ability to do it."

As a freshman, Harmon played in 17 matches, starting in nine, with two shots and one assist. During her sophomore season, Harmon started in all 20 matches and had one goal on 23 shots with five on goal. As a junior, Harmon was one of five players to start all 20 matches and had 17 shots with four on goal. Harmon had one assist during that season.

So far this season, Harmon has played in all 19 matches, making 16 starts. She has scored one goal on nine shots with six on goal.

"I feel like I've grown and learned a lot from my coaches and teammates," Harmon said. "I'm just happy with my progress throughout the years."

Cairns said the team jokes that the ball always finds Harmon no matter where she is on the field.

"She's got a magnet on her head," Cairns said.

Cairns said Harmon does a lot of other things on the field for the team that helps keep the ball moving and make the team better.

Harmon has loved her experience at Utah State.

"All four years I've been here have been my favorite years of my life, honestly," She said. "All the girls on the team make it so enjoyable."

But Harmon's not done yet. With the Mountain West Championship starting Tuesday, she wants to win it.

"I'd say that's our priority goal right now," Harmon said.

The Salt Lake City, Utah native chose to come to Utah State because it was close enough to home, but still far enough away.

"When I came on my visit here, I felt really good about the team and the coaches. I just got a lot of good vibes," Harmon said. "I would never go back and change anything. It's the best decision I ever made."

Off the field, Cairns said Harmon is the glue that holds the team together.

"I don't care who she's talking to, she can make people feel comfortable and welcome and make them feel important," Cairns said. "She is just kind to everybody, she cares about everybody and it really just helps us function as a team."

The best part about being an Aggie for Harmon is her team.

"Being a part of a team of your best friends and always having girls around you that have your back," she said.

When she is not playing soccer, Harmon loves to ski, boat and be with family and friends.

She plans on doing an internship next semester after graduating with a degree in family, consumer and human development.

"Harmon is a goofball. She is a total goofball and it makes everybody laugh. She has this weird, wonderful sense of humor," Cairns said. "She really is that glue off the field that keeps us together and helps us function as a family."