Nya Harrison Bio
Nya Layson Harrison is a professional soccer player who plays as a defender for San Diego Wave FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Born in the United States on November 9, 2002, she has gained recognition as an influential player in women’s soccer and has been called up to represent the Philippines internationally. Harrison showcased her talent while playing college soccer for the Stanford Cardinal, making significant contributions to her team.
Early Life and Background
Nya Layson Harrison was born and raised in San Diego, California. She attended Del Norte High School, where she became captain of the soccer team. During her high school years, she played club soccer for San Diego Surf, which helped her develop her skills and passion for the sport. Harrison committed to play college soccer for the Stanford Cardinal as a sophomore, demonstrating her dedication to advancing her career in soccer. She was recognized as one of the top prospects in her class, being ranked by TopDrawerSoccer as the 21st-best prospect of the 2021 class.
Path to Soccer
Harrison’s journey in soccer began at a young age, and she quickly made a name for herself in the youth soccer scene. Her time with San Diego Surf from 2017 to 2021 provided her with valuable experience and exposure to competitive play. After committing to Stanford University, she continued to hone her skills and gain recognition in college soccer. Her early achievements set the stage for her transition to the professional level, where she would further showcase her talent.
Nya Harrison Career
Early Career (2021–2024)
Nya Harrison made her mark during her college career with the Stanford Cardinal from 2021 to 2024. In her first two seasons, she made 15 appearances as a substitute, gradually establishing herself within the team. By her junior season in 2023, she played in 20 games, starting in 11 of them. Harrison played a significant role in the NCAA tournament, contributing to her team’s success until they faced Florida State in the finals. In her senior season in 2024, she started all 23 games, helping the team achieve 12 shutouts and reach the semifinals of the NCAA tournament.
Breakthrough (2025)
In March 2025, San Diego Wave FC announced that they had signed Nya Harrison to a short-term contract, marking her entry into the professional realm. She made history as the first Filipina player to sign a contract in the NWSL. Harrison made her professional debut on October 18, 2025, coming on as a stoppage-time substitute in a playoff-clinching victory over the Chicago Stars. This debut marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her readiness to compete at the highest level.
Notable Works and Milestones
Nya Harrison’s signature work includes her contributions to the Stanford Cardinal soccer team, where she played a pivotal role in their NCAA tournament runs. Her transition to the NWSL with San Diego Wave FC has positioned her as a notable player in women’s soccer, and her international call-up to represent the Philippines further highlights her growing influence in the sport.
Nya Harrison Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Nya Harrison has been recognized for her contributions to soccer, particularly during her time with the Stanford Cardinal.
Nya Harrison Awards Won
While specific awards won during her career have not been detailed, her achievements with the Stanford Cardinal and her professional debut with San Diego Wave FC signify her impact on the sport.
Nya Harrison Family
Nya Harrison is one of three daughters born to Sherill and Derrick Harrison. Her mother immigrated to the United States from the Philippines, while her father is African American. This diverse background has played a significant role in shaping her identity and perspective as an athlete.
Personal Life
Nya Harrison is actively involved in advocating for student-athlete rights. In December 2023, she filed a lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) alongside fellow athletes, challenging restrictions on student-athlete compensation. This initiative reflects her commitment to improving conditions for athletes in collegiate sports.