- April 12, 2025
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Dr. Phillips High’s Maran Harris is a rare breed of student-athlete.
Not only does she play three sports for the Panthers — swimming, pole vault and water polo — while maintaining a 4.65 weighted GPA, but also Harris manages to have an extensive extracurricular schedule that includes being a licensed private pilot, a member of Dr. Phillips’ Air Force JROTC program, the chapter president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a first-degree black belt in taekwondo, a level eight gymnast and a member of the DP orchestra.
Despite the many incredible accomplishments and opportunities Harris has, her time in the pool as a water polo goalie may be where she shines the brightest. As a four-year member of the Lady Panthers water polo team, the senior captain has been named an All-American three times and an Academic All-American in 2022. She also has set the program record for saves in a single season and over a career and set the program record for most goals by a goalie in a single season. Most recently, she was selected to participate in USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program’s youth national team selection camp.
As one of nine total goalies selected to participate in the camp, Harris will travel to California in May to compete for a spot on the Youth National Team. Along with her selection to the camp, Harris was recently named the Nick Johnson Inspiration Award winner by OPD for the second time. This award recognizes athletes on a yearly basis who fully embody the vision and values of the Olympic Development Program.
Age: 17
Sport: Water polo, swimming and pole vault
Grade: Senior
School: Dr. Phillips High
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
It is a huge honor and accomplishment! I’ve worked hard to get to this point, so it feels great to have it recognized.
What do you enjoy the most about water polo?
I thrive on the adrenaline that goes through me every time I get to do my job as goalie. There’s nothing like the rush I feel when I know a shot is coming my way and I’m ready to make the save. The anticipation and the thrill of either stopping the shot or launching a long pass to start a counterattack to get us a goal (is) such a thrill.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from water polo?
You can’t control a game, but you can control the role you play in it. Whether we’re winning or losing, the way I play my game can’t be affected. I have to always give it my best, and as the goalie, I have to direct the team in a constructive and encouraging way.
What is your favorite water polo memory?
Winning the Junior Olympics in Dallas with my club team, Team Orlando, in 2023. We had to combine with another local Orlando team just so we could have enough players. But getting to make new friends and have this amazing experience, even though we weren’t experienced playing together, taught us all that teamwork is a real thing and that you can count on others to show up when you need them.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
Usually, I’m the one driving my teammates to games, so anything portable that has protein and healthy sugar is as good as gone!
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
“Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What is your favorite non-sports hobby?
Last summer, I got my private pilot’s license, so any chance I get, I love to be in the air. It’s so calming and serene. I can forget about all of my worries on land when I’m up in the air. There’s truly nothing quite like it.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Air Force JROTC. I started with one class my freshman year, and then every year after, I’ve taken two. I’ve learned so much about leadership and history, and it’s what has inspired me to become a pilot and hopefully carry that into my future career.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
Any sort of music player, because I cannot mentally survive without it (I would break the first day); coconuts, because (they’re) really the only thing you need to survive physically; and then my Bible, because that’s food for my soul.
What is your favorite movie?
“Pride and Prejudice,” the Keira Knightley version. It’s such a great and feel-good movie. It shows the innocent development of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s love as it grows, even though they start off with misunderstandings and big egos. It's just super comforting and calming to watch.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
Captain Jane Hart, the first woman to become a Navy pilot, because she broke barriers in a male-dominated field and showed incredible courage and determination in pursuing her dreams.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
The 1980s! The music was amazing, and people were happy. There were fewer distractions, and you just lived in whatever moment you were given.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Trust that there is a plan. Things may seem very confusing at times, but if you’re doing your best with every opportunity you are given, it will all work out.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
What do you wish you had done differently in high school?
Who is your favorite superhero?
Captain America because he had the heart of a superhero even before he had the physical strength to match it.
Who is your favorite supervillain?
Loki because even though he did a lot of bad things in his life due to his circumstances, he turned it all around in the end after realizing that he could be better than the bad things that happened to him.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation so I don’t have to waste time rushing anywhere and have more time for the good stuff in life.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
Brazil, Italy and Spain for all the pretty scenery and great food!
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
A squirrel. I feel a connection with them. They are always busy and always seem to be having fun.
What is your most controversial food take?
I like to eat broccoli with ranch dip after a hard game.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
No way. I’d rather never have pizza again.
