Harrison was first selected for the Black Sticks Women in October 2005 on the back of her performance for Northland in the National Hockey League that year. At the time, she was 16 years old, making her the youngest ever player selected for the Black Sticks Women.[7][8] She played her first match for the Black Sticks on 31 October 2005, against Australia in Pakuranga, Auckland, as part of the 2005 Oceania Cup and World Cup qualifier.[7]
Born in Palmerston North to Steve[8] and Zanna Harrison,[9] Charlotte spent most of her early life living in Whangarei. She is of Māori descent, and affiliates to the Ngāpuhiiwi.[10] She has two younger sisters: Samantha, who joined Charlotte playing for the Black Sticks Women in 2009, and Anita.[1][11] Despite Charlotte being two years older and three centimetres (1 in) shorter than her sister Samantha, once the two competed together for the Black Sticks, their similarities in appearance became apparent and were often mistaken for each other by commentators and match officials.[11][12] This was partially alleviated by Samantha dyeing her hair brown in mid-2010,[12] but within a year reverted to her natural blonde colour.
At club level, Harrison is a member of the Southern Districts Hockey Club, based in Papatoetoe, Auckland.[14] In the National Hockey League, she is a member of the Northland women's team.[5][11]
