MaxPreps Weekly Honor Roll, presented by the United States Marine Corps: Marissa Hart, Providence Day

Her parents, Sarah and Greg, were both Division I swimmers at the University of North Carolina. Sarah, whose maiden name is Perroni, competed at the trials for the 1992 Olympics and captured three bronze medals in relay events in the FINA World Swimming Championships in '93.

Expectations on the younger Hart seemed lofty at times.

"My goal growing up was always to be able to play a sport in college," Hart said. "It was always my dream to be able to get a scholarship for my parents and be able to play soccer in college. I think I always thought I could do it because I had my parents and I had that positive voice telling me I could."

Hart never felt pressure from her parents to do well in athletics. And with great role models to look up to in her parents and, of course, great genes, Hart made her dream a reality.



Hart, who recently wrapped up her junior year at Providence Day (Charlotte, N.C.), is an exceptional soccer player. Add in her dedication and hard work in the classroom, Hart punched her ticket to Princeton for fall 2019.

She feels like she owns her parents a ton of gratitude for helping her journey go so smoothly. Hart's parents have always had her back — attending all of her soccer practices and games.

"They're not the yelling parents or the crazy soccer mom by any means; they're that supportive voice and they're just kind of always there," Hart said. "When I have a bad game, they're like, ‘Hey, you're good. You've got it.' They've always been there and know their role as a parent compared to a coach."

Even with her mom being a big name in the swimming world, Hart has carved her own name in the soccer world.

Hart jumped right in as a freshman and started at midfield for Providence Day. In her first year, she scored three goals and five assists. Hart followed that up with two goals and 13 assists the next year.Providence Day coach Dan Dudley decided for Hart's junior campaign he would shift her to more of an attacking role. That worked out well as Hart tallied 23 goals and 21 assists in 20 games.

"I was surprised she scored more than 20 goals," Dudley said. "I wasn't surprised she scored more than the year before. She pretty much led our team with assists, so that to me was big as well."



Hart was named to the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) All-State soccer team for the second straight year. Her younger sister, Morgan, was also awarded All-State.

Hart is a well-rounded player. When the ball is on her foot, she dazzles.

"Probably her strongest component would be her technical ability and more specifically just her comfort level on the ball," Dudley said. "She's very good under pressure."

Despite being a talented soccer player, success has never gotten to Hart's head.

"She never gloats," Dudley said. "She's never boasting saying, ‘Look at me. Look at what we've done.' One thing I do like about her is she always knows that there's something else she can be working on and getting better."

After earning a starting nod as a freshman, Hart's confidence skyrocketed and her game blossomed.



"I guess my strong suit in soccer has always been dribbling," said Hart, who plays club soccer with the Charlotte Soccer Academy. "Then, as I got more confident on the ball, it became a lot easier to drive through the midfield and penetrate more and try to make more things happen for my team instead of just keeping the ball. I worked on my shot a lot from sophomore year to this year."

Hart wasn't just a scorer on the field this season, she was a captain who helped rally her teammates. With seven freshmen starting this year for Providence Day, Dudley was looking one of his players to provide a strong on-field voice. Hart assumed that role.

"The main thing I think with soccer, and all sports, it's just sort of the off the field connections," Hart said. "You don't want to have the cliques, and I feel it's so important to have a tight-knit group."

The Providence Day players got along like sisters, and that translated into success. The Chargers (15-3-2) cracked the top 20 rankings in the nation, and for the second straight year placed runners-up in the NCISAA 3A state title game.

"For me, she was a huge piece in us being ranked in the top 20 in the country and scoring 107 goals," Dudley said.

Because of her great season, Hart was named Female Underclassman of the Year at Providence Day.

Colleges started taking notice of Hart's soccer skills early in her high school career. Hart received interest from Florida, Miami, Mississippi, Virginia, Wake Forest and Vanderbilt, but a dark horse non-power five conference creeped into the mix. Hart didn't really have Princeton in her sights, but when she visited the Ivy League school, she fell in love. In early 2017, Hart verbally committed to the school known for its academics. However, the Tigers' soccer team is coming off a strong season after its run to the Elite 8.



Dudley knows Princeton picked up a great student-athlete. The coach said Hart's on-ball ability is what really attracted interest from colleges.

"She always caught coaches eyes at showcases when we travel around the country with her ability to dribble, drive and pass the ball," Dudley said. "She's skillful in tight areas. She's not scared to hold onto the ball with two or three players around her."

Because her mom went through the rigorous recruiting process, Hart had an easier time making her college choice. Her mom offered plenty of sound advice during the stressful time.

Hart's parents have also been influential in her development as a great student. She carries a 4.33 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society and is a National Merit Commended Scholar. During her last semester of her junior year, Hart was enrolled in four Advanced Placement and honors courses.

Hart enjoys helping with activities around school and in her community. She's a leader in her school's First Grade Buddies mentor program. The club met twice a month during school and Hart was teamed up with a buddy to help with homework and work on arts and crafts.

"You're really able to form a connection with them and spend time with them and just mentor them and give them advice and show them the ropes as they get older," Hart said.



This past school year, Hart was also involved in the Charger Ambassadors Club. She volunteered for activities around Providence Day, including helping with a Special Olympics day. Outside of school, Hart is a part of Sunday Soup, helping serve food and drinks at a homeless shelter in Charlotte.

"It's definitely an eye-opening experience," said Hart, who logs about five volunteer hours per month. "I have such a fortunate life and my family has provided so well for me and I've had so many opportunities."

With club soccer in full swing, Hart will continue to work to improve on the field. With her season senior right around the corner, Hart doesn't have much left to accomplish as a high school soccer player. However, one thing has eluded her in her first three seasons: a state championship.

"I want her to finish her career with a winner's medal," Dudley said.