Life after college has brought former college wide receiver Michaelee Harris football life full circle. Harris played at the legendary Miami Northwestern Senior High School. He ranked as the 13th wide receiver and rated No. 99 in the Sentinel’s Florida Top 100. Unfortunately for Harris, the injury bug followed him in college. Harris was able to overcome his on-field issues to succeed in the classroom. He received his degree from the University of Louisville and transferred to Akron for a graduate transfer year. After another injury, his determination and will to be great kept Harris within the game.
After a stint with the Illinois Fighting Illini, he returned to Miami, FL as the Pass Game Coordinator and WR Coach at Miami Northwestern Senior High School. Thirty-Five players have graced the Northwestern field to go on to the NFL. During his time at Northwestern, he coached Romello Brinson and Khalil Brantley. Both players have signed a letter of intent to play for the Miami Hurricanes. Northwestern now has helped prepare Harris to navigate his football life as a player and coach. In the fall, Harris accepted a position to become the offensive coordinator at Miami Carol City. Also, he will become the head coach of track and field.
“Coaching at Miami Northwestern High school prepared me to understand the logistics of being able to coach from a leadership position. As a wide receiver coach, I learned that a plethora of talent is awesome. But being able to develop that talent with tips and strategies to enhance football IQ is just as important. Understanding the value of preparation, structure, and discipline is the foundation of a team.”
Michaelee Harris has high expectations for Miami Carol City. He had 30 catches for 533 yards and six touchdowns as Northwestern won the 6-A state title his junior year. At UofL he played under Charlie Strong who is currently an assistant head coach and inside linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a freshman, Harris had 37 catches for 455 yards and was a part of the 2013 Sugar Bowl Champions. The coach from Miami has a winning mentality. Harris knows what it takes to be a player at a high level.
“I expect to immediately get the program back to championship contention. I will be installing hard work, ethics, and discipline to build a goal-driven, positive, and loving atmosphere. And getting the kids from the North-Dade area to understand they can be the best at whatever they do in life.”
As the world continues to live through the pandemic, this will hinder many coaches as we go into the season. Miami Carol City was 4-3 last year in the shortened season. Harris and the staff must navigate COVID-19 while he prepares to be a new coach.
“With social distancing plans and rules in effect, I plan to let COVID-19 have little impact. We will be Using zoom calls for meetings, personalized training groups, and limiting the number of athletes per coach in working sessions,” Harris said. “As long as there is a season governed by the FHSAA, we will do what we can to ensure our student-athletes are prepared and educated to thrive in college.”
The Miami Carol City Chiefs have a strong history in south beach football. Nineteen NFL players have walked their hallways, which is 6th in the state. They last won a state title in 2016. Some only see their success coming on the field of play. Harris has shown there are still ways to succeed through the game of football. His expertise and connections will help the youth move forward as players and men. Harris is a proven winner. From tragedy to triumph, Michaelee Harris will help Miami Carol City return to prominence and reach new heights.
