Rori Harmon: In her own words
3/7/2023
Have you ever wondered why people continue doing things for years without getting bored and wanting to try something new? When I started playing basketball at a young age, it gave me something to do during my free time. Like most kids, it was just something to stay active, build relationships, learn how to solve problems, and become social. Basketball became more than just a game for me.
People often ask me why I chose basketball. When I was younger, my answer was that it was fun and gave me a sense of freedom. As I got older, basketball became more structured and purposeful. I started playing at a very young age when I was recruited during halftime of my brother's basketball game while I was shooting on the court. That moment changed my life forever, and I wouldn't play basketball the way I do now if it weren't for that moment.
Now I am living the life that I have always dreamed of playing in a power five college as a division I athlete at The University of Texas.Rori Harmon
I was recruited to play AAU basketball, where I found lifelong teammates, friends, and family. I played with this team for around nine to ten years, some longer than others. These people were my closest friends and a part of my family outside of my own. I learned to love the game of basketball, but also the life lessons that came with it. I learned how to share, be a leader and a good teammate, sister, and daughter. The fundamentals of basketball are sometimes more important than the most skilled.
Basketball has shaped my personality and helped me become who I am today. I learned how to talk to people, lead them, and enjoy being myself while doing things I love. Basketball is a game of ups and downs, mistakes, and learning from them. It's not just a game; it's a metaphor for life. Why do I love basketball so much? Do I love it just because I've been doing it for so long? Technically, yes, but that's not the answer. Basketball has become a part of me. Without it, I wouldn't be Rori Harmon. I started playing when I was four years old, and now, at 20 years old, basketball still holds a special place in my heart.
The numbers don't lie.
— Texas Women's Basketball (@TexasWBB) March 5, 2023
And that's only part of the story.
Glad we have @roriiiharmonnn ?? #HookEm pic.twitter.com/9GgBZp57ui
My parents are the driving force behind my aspirations for success in basketball. They have always been my biggest supporters and have instilled unwavering confidence in me in all aspects of life. They understand how much basketball means to me and have made a consistent effort to attend every game, putting in the time and energy to ensure that I have everything I need to achieve my goals. Simply put, my parents are my motivation for everything I do.
My father has been my basketball trainer for years, and he has taught me invaluable lessons both on and off the court. He has always emphasised the importance of dribbling in basketball, often reminding me that without strong dribbling skills, one cannot truly consider themselves a basketball player. Our training sessions have never felt like typical trainer-trainee or teacher-student interactions, but rather a father guiding his daughter. I remember one particular session during middle school, a time when I was going through a rough patch and experiencing mood swings due to puberty. I was struggling to complete a drill, and I felt like my dad was being too hard on me. In that moment, I wanted to quit, but my dad reminded me that his only goal was to see me succeed. He assured me that any constructive criticism he gave me was solely to help me improve, not to hurt me. I now use this experience to inspire and motivate young female athletes who may struggle with receiving constructive criticism. I share with them the valuable lesson my dad taught me: our parents only want the best for us, and they would never say something that wouldn't ultimately help us achieve our goals.
During my junior year, I had a moment with my mom that brought us closer together. I was devastated because I couldn't play in the state championship game, but she understood how much it meant to me and we put our differences aside. As a high school student, it's easy to feel like everyone is against you, even your parents. But as I matured and remembered my dad's advice from our training sessions, I learned to trust others more. My parents have always been there for me, attending every one of my 500+ games. I can't complain or be ungrateful for all the sacrifices they've made for me. They have been my biggest supporters, instilling confidence in me and motivating me to succeed. I'll always be appreciative of everything they do for me.
After games when I speak to these fans, they tell me that they see the love I have for the game with the way I play. They talk about my defense and how it’s suffocating. They talk about the passion I have and the energy that I bring. Hearing these little girls and my fans, tell me those things remind me who I am playing for and why I love the game of basketball.Rori Harmon
Now I am living the life that I have always dreamed of playing in a power five college as a division I athlete at The University of Texas. I can’t help but be grateful for the situation that I am in, having the ability to still play the sport that I will always give my 110 percent effort. Every time I step on the floor nobody’s going to be playing harder than me. Sometimes it’s not about how many points you score. After games when I speak to these fans, none of them are talking about, oh, you scored so many points we love that about you. No, they tell me that they see the love I have for the game with the way I play, the way I am smiling from the court. They talk about my defense and how it’s suffocating. They talk about the passion I have and the energy that I bring. Hearing these little girls and my fans, tell me those things remind me who I am playing for and why I love the game of basketball.
