Sport has a way of forming lifelong friendships. From youth soccer to the collegiate level and now the professional stage, Sam Sarver and JT Harms have experienced it all together.
In 2018, goalkeeper JT and forward Sam crossed paths for the first time at the Columbus Crew Academy. Sam, with open arms, introduced his newest teammate to the rest of the team. A leader from a young age, he left a long-lasting impact on JT. This was the start of something special for this dynamic duo.
“I’ll never forget the first session at Columbus Crew. Sam came up to me and started introducing me to the rest of the team. He immediately told me that I was going to provide him lots of assists,” JT said. “For someone to go out of their way to welcome me, I knew I had found a lifelong friend. We are blessed to have it pan out this way so far.”
The two eventually had to split, heading off to separate colleges as Sam committed to soccer powerhouse Indiana University while JT committed to Duke. Their separation didn’t last long, though, as JT entered the transfer portal after one year in Durham. It was the perfect opportunity for “Agent Sam” to swoop in.
“We had a goalkeeper at the time that was moving up for a professional contract. I got the insight we were looking for a goalkeeper, and since he (JT) was in the portal, it was almost the perfect scenario,” Sam recalls. “I showed our coach clips of JT, and I sent him footage of when we were both playing in the Academy together. Luckily, it turned out for the best.”
Sam’s successful pitch got JT a spot in Bloomington, Indiana. The best friends were reunited once again.
“'Agent Sammy’ got the deal done, and I owe him a lot for thinking of me. For it to come full circle, it was a very special moment.”
Countless minutes, games played, and goals scored. From JT assisting Sam for a game-winning goal to winning the Big Ten title and celebrating senior night together, the Hoosier duo created many memories. Unfortunately, that chapter was coming to an end.
As one door closes, another one opens. Sam inked his first professional contract with North Texas, and once again, the two were separated by some distance. It was only a matter of time before JT signed a professional contract with the same club as his best friend after being invited to club trials.
“I was really excited when I first found out JT was coming to Dallas for trials. I knew if he showed his abilities, there’d be no reason not to sign him.”
“Sam had a feeling something was happening and kept urging me to come to Dallas. He was once again waiting for me with open arms,” JT mentions. “If Sammy was enjoying it in such a short period of being there, I knew I was going to like it as well.”
2025 captain Sam and vice-captain JT will share the field at the pro level for the first time this Sunday as North Texas takes on Houston Dynamo 2 at SaberCats Stadium. The match kicks off at 6PM CT and available to watch on Season Pass on Apple TV.
