Wilsonville, Oregon is home to many individuals who contribute to its tight-knit community, but few embody the spirit of this town like Emily Harms. A 2020 graduate of Wilsonville High School, Emily is very dedicated to giving back to the place that helped shape her. After her college years, Emily returned to Wilsonville not only to work full-time in graphic arts but also to coach alongside her father, continuing a legacy of dedication to the community.
Throughout her high school years, Emily was coached by her dad, Steve Harms, who shared a special bond with her both as a parent and a mentor. Steve expressed the joy of coaching alongside Emily, especially as his youngest child, making it a meaningful experience for both of them.
“She’s working full time in graphic arts and also helping coach the team, but that’s been kinda something for me, I’ve always wanted to have that relationship with one of my kids,” Steve said. Their shared love for the game and the bond they formed while coaching together was something they had discussed for years.
The Wilsonville community has always been deeply supportive, and Emily’s return to coaching has been welcomed by many.
Sophia Vega, whose older sister played with Emily during high school, believes that Emily brings a unique perspective to coaching. “I think it’s really cool to bring back those old times and memories and just seeing that I can really trust her words from having a player’s point of view,” Sophia shared.
This trust, rooted in being able to experience watching Emily as a player and now being able to be coached by her.
Before becoming a coach, Emily’s journey in softball began under the guidance of Derek Atwood, who coached her alongside her dad when she was younger. And is now also coaching alongside her for Wilsonville as they are both assistant coaches.
Atwood spoke highly of her talent and work ethic, describing her as a natural in the sport. “She grew up in a softball family, and she was fun to coach. She was a good player, and she played a little in college. It’s cool to see her get involved and want to give back to the kids,” Derek said.
These early coaching experiences laid the foundation for Emily’s current role as a mentor, where she is able to pass on the lessons she learned throughout her own career.
As Emily reflects on the growth of Wilsonville’s softball program, she takes great pride in how far it has come. Despite missing her senior year due to COVID-19, Emily remains deeply connected to the team.
“Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat,” she said with pride. “I think watching it grow over the years has just been really great. I mean, I was at it when we didn’t have the best record, and then coming and just going to the games even when I’m not coaching has just been really awesome just to watch the team grow.”
For Emily, the team’s success is a reflection of the hard work and dedication put in by the players, coaches, and the entire community. “I have kind of a sense of pride in that even though I’m not necessarily a part of it before, but I’m just really happy to put any amount I can give into this team.”
Wilsonville’s tight-knit community and its strong emphasis on family and sportsmanship have shaped Emily into the person she is today. As she continues to coach alongside her dad, she exemplifies the spirit of Wilsonville, showing that her roots run deep in this town.
Whether as a player, a coach, or a fan, Emily’s connection to Wilsonville will always be a special one—one that she continues to share with the next generation of Wildcats. Through her dedication, she inspires others to give back and keep the legacy of Wilsonville athletics alive for years to come.