Biliterate Benefits: Dual Language Propels Harrington On the Field, In the Classroom

LA JOLLA, Calif. --  “Ay, caray!” Sherriah Harrington exclaims after drilling a line-drive off the left center fence, just shy of a home run during batting practice.

In other words, “dang it!" – a frequent, light-hearted Spanish phrase heard across Triton Softball Field.

“It’s just part of me and it comes out naturally!” she said. 

The senior utility player is biliterate, meaning she can speak, read and write proficiently in two languages: English and Spanish. 

Sherriah was enrolled in the Dual Language Immersion Program at Arroyo Vista Charter School in her hometown of Chula Vista at the age of six. 

According to Harrington’s mother Sherry, a UC San Diego alumna, her oldest of three was a bright child from any early age.

“Sherriah often made reactions, comments, and observations that were truly beyond her years from the day of birth. We knew she had the capacity to tackle and succeed in the program,” Sherry said. 

“Our family was blessed to be in the right place at the right time. The local, charter elementary school implemented the Dual Language Immersion Program right before Sherriah’s first grade year. The entire community was very excited for the opportunity to enroll their son or daughter into the program.”

Sherry is also biliterate, as well as Sherriah’s sister Michaila and brother Michael who were grandfathered into the same program as their older sister. 

“Acceptance into the program was decided by lottery. It involved a commitment by the family to remain in the program through sixth grade at the charter school,” Sherry continued. “We committed and luckily were selected!”

Sherriah and the rest of her classmates in the program ultimately became part of the Dual Language Immersion Program’s first graduating class from high school. 

Up until third grade, almost all curriculum was taught in Spanish, including science and history. From fourth to sixth grade, it was an even split between English and Spanish. At this point, Sherriah was already proficient.

To cap off the program, she boasted a five on the Advance Placement Spanish Exam, the highest score possible. This also concluded her formal education in her non-native language. 

“Being able to read, speak, write, and converse with people who are also fluent in Spanish, is a big part of who I am,” Sherriah said. 

“I’ve grown up with many of the same friends since first grade. It was always nice to have a unique set of people to hang out and connect with through a completely different language.”

In addition, the infielder is without a doubt, a standout on the Triton softball team. 

A National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America selection, two-time All-West Region honoree, and a two-time All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) recipient only scrapes the surface of Harrington’s accomplishments on the field. She was also named CoSIDA Academic All-District 8 and CCAA Spring All-Academic twice, further establishing an impressive resume at UC San Diego so far. 

Sherriah's versatility became apparent on the field as she bounced around from designated player to second base in her first two seasons. During her junior year, she saw a majority of time at first base. 

“I have seen unbelievable growth and maturity from Sherriah over the last three years,” said Head Coach Patti Gerckens. “Anything she puts her mind to, she can accomplish and no matter where we place her on the field, she does a great job."

It is no surprise that Sherriah’s favorite athlete is San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatís Jr. 

“He brings a lot of energy and fun to the game which I am able to relate to since I try to do the same thing,” she said. 

She even impersonates Tatís' famous chop celebration after a big hit, one which honors the sugarcane workers in his hometown of the Dominican Republic. 

Sherriah is constantly striving for greatness in all aspects of her life. An African-American, Christian, biliterate, female, future doctor – Sherriah believes her diversity has influenced much of her success. 

“I think it just goes to show that I am multi-faceted and able to connect with people on a more personal level,” she said. “I’m not all softball or all school but I have other parts of me that I can provide to the world.”

Following graduation, she hopes to gain clinical experience, prepare for the MCAT, and when ready, apply to medical schools. 

“As I plan to work and live in the San Diego area in the future, in specific the medical field, knowing how to communicate in two different languages will help me effectively serve and tend to a broader population.”

Until then, she hopes to close out her stellar collegiate career on a high note as the university undergoes its first year as part of Division I and the Big West Conference. 

In the meantime, her softball teammates can expect more comedic Spanish remarks from their senior leader. 

About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program begins a new era in 2020 as a member of the Big West Conference in NCAA Division I. The 23-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 37 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world's preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 91 percent, one of the highest rates among institutions at all divisions. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.