When junior Jesse Harris chose Simpson College to pursue his athletic career, he knew that basketball was not going to be his only concern.

“I always knew that I wanted to play basketball but I also knew that I didn’t want it to be my life,” said Harris.

“I wanted to go somewhere that I would not be defined as just an athlete.”

Harris has faired well both on and off the court in his first few years with the Storm.

Double majoring in political science and history, Harris carries a 3.95 grade point average.

Last year he was named Academic All-Conference along with first team Academic All-District. At the conclusion of last year Harris was also a finalist for the IIAC Male Scholar Athlete of the year.

Harris is a three year starter for the Storm and a two-time All-Conference player.

“Jesse is so hard to guard. If other teams play him one on one they have to bring another guy down to double team which really opens up the perimeter,” head coach Bruce Wilson said.

Last season Harris led the conference in scoring with 17.6 points per game. This season Harris is averaging 16.6 points per game and is shooting close to 50 percent from the field.

Harris is currently the eighth leading scorer in school history with over 1,120 career points.

“He wants the ball at key times. He has much more leadership this season and is a good post defender,” said Wilson.

The Storm is currently 10-10 overall and 8-5 in conference play.

“We have really picked it up the second part of this season,” said Harris.

“We are taking steps forward rather than going back.”

Harris, originally from Clive, Iowa hopes to attend graduate school following graduation and has hopes of working in public service some day.