Bio

Position: Outside Hitter/Right-Side Hitter
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Cullman, Alabama
High School: Cullman High School
High School Graduation: 2025
Previous School: Auburn University

Karina Harris is a sophomore outside and right-side hitter from Cullman, Alabama, and a 2025 graduate of Cullman High School. Harris transferred to Wallace State after attending Auburn University.

She began playing volleyball in the fifth grade and has continued developing her skills and passion for the sport throughout her high school, club and college career.

One of Harris’ favorite high school athletic memories was helping Cullman defeat Mountain Brook to earn a trip to the state tournament. The victory gave her an opportunity to celebrate an important accomplishment with her teammates.

Harris was already familiar with Wallace State head coach Randy Daniel before joining the Lions. She played club volleyball for Daniel when she was younger and had also heard positive things about Wallace State’s athletic programs.

“I played club with Randy when I was young and have always heard good things about the Wallace State athletic programs,” Harris said.

She credits her parents with having the greatest impact on her athletic journey. Their support and encouragement have helped her continue pursuing her academic and athletic goals.

Her proudest moment as a Wallace State athlete so far has been becoming part of the team and developing new friendships with her teammates.

College athletics has taught Harris how to balance the demands of school with the responsibilities of playing a sport. She remains organized by creating a weekly schedule and making sure she stays on top of her assignments.

“I give myself a schedule to follow throughout the week and make sure I stay on top of my schoolwork,” Harris said.

Her personal goals are to continue becoming a better volleyball player and develop stronger connections with her teammates. She hopes to contribute to the team through her performance, attitude and willingness to build relationships with those around her.

Harris’ favorite practice activity is six-on-six competition because it provides game-like situations and allows the team to improve its communication and chemistry.

She does not follow a specific pregame ritual. Her go-to hype song is “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO.

Harris mentally prepares for matches by praying and maintaining a positive mindset. She focuses on encouraging herself and approaching competition with confidence.

She believes her teammates would describe her as kind and funny.

Had she not chosen volleyball, Harris said she would likely play tennis.

Her favorite professional athlete is volleyball player Harper Murray, whom Harris admires for her talent and athletic ability.

“She is such an amazing athlete,” Harris said.

A memorable and unusual fact about Harris is that she was once hit by a car and the incident was captured on video.

Outside volleyball, she enjoys playing pickleball and spending time with her friends.

Harris plans to earn a business degree from Auburn University and eventually take over her family’s business.

During her time at Wallace State, she hopes to make a positive impact on the volleyball program and be remembered for the way she treated others.

“I hope to have a good impact at Wallace and be remembered as a good person,” Harris said.

Her advice to younger athletes is to consistently compete with effort because they never know who may be paying attention.

“Always give your best because you don’t know who’s watching,” Harris said.