Harkins, a 5-foot-10 forward from Canal Fulton, Ohio, averaged 17.2 points and 7.1 rebounds as a senior at Northwest High School while shooting 41.1 percent from the field (150-for-356) and 88.2 percent from the free throw line (105-for-119). As a senior, Harkins was named to the Northeastern Buckeye Conference First Team, the Stark County First Team, the Northeast Inland District First Team, and the Akron Beacon Journal All-Star Team. She was also named the District 4 Division II Player of the Year and the Massillon Independent Player of the Year while earning All-Ohio Special Mention. In addition, she finished with 1,004 career points and led Northwest to its first-ever NBC title, sectional and district titles, and a berth in the regional tournament.

"The addition of Alexis is a huge one for us heading into next year,” said MVNU head coach Steve Gregory. "With the graduation of Amy Sebastian in the big guard/small forward position, that left a big hole for us to fill. Alexis fills the void and gives us a player with size, speed, ball-handling, perimeter shooting, passing ability, and post-up stature that will help us in more than one position.”

"Alexis had a tremendous senior season in leading her team to conference and district championships and scoring her 1,000th career point,” Gregory added. "She comes to MVNU with impeccable basketball stats. More impressive, though, is her team-above-self attitude, love of family, and Christian character. The moment we saw Alexis as a player, we knew she would be a tremendous player for us. As I have gotten to know her and her family, I am even more excited about what a tremendous person she is.”

In addition to playing basketball at Northwest, Harkins was a three-year letter winner on the volleyball team. She was inducted into National Honor Society, and has also been active in French Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes as well as participating in Buckeye Girls State.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Harkins of her college choice. "I loved the atmosphere at MVNU and knew that it would be a good fit for me. It is a great place for me to grow spiritually, academically, and athletically, and I know it will provide many opportunities.”

"I am anxious to get to work with Alexis,” said Gregory. "She is joining a group that returns 12 players from last season. I expect her to come in and compete right away. She is a very versatile player who can play both on the perimeter and down low in the post.”

MVNU finished the 2007-2008 season with an 18-12 overall record. The Lady Cougars also advanced to the championship game of the National Christian College Athletic Association East Region Tournament before falling 65-62 in overtime at Roberts Wesleyan (N.Y.) College.