Isabel Harrison has no problem finding his father Dennis sitting courtside in his unlimited athlete game in his hometown of Nashville this season.
Again, it's hard to miss the sturdy 6-foot-8 former NFL defensive lineman who warned the average person.
After each game, Dennis waits for Isabel to cool down and shower before he can drive through the house by holding his bag and throwing it into the car.
The rides have been reminiscent of her days as a young girl.
Standing 6-3, Harrison may have gotten some of the physical and athletic gifts from his father.
But her competitive spirit? It comes from growing up with 11 siblings.
She remembers that she was always sent out to play games. Soccer, basketball, tags. Any game, they play it.
From a young age, Harrison couldn't stand the idea of losing.
“For me, I always wanted to beat them,” Harrison said. “And I always wanted to impress them, so when my dad got the chance to come to the game, or when my siblings got the chance to come to the game, I just wanted to show off. ”
That drive helped Harrison reach this point in her professional career despite being derailed once by injuries and an autoimmune illness.
Harrison, 30, is preparing for her eighth WNBA season and is first preparing with Liberty, who signed a one-year contract last week.
After the turbulent 2024 season at Chicago Sky, Harrison is keen on the opportunity to put the past behind her and help strengthen the rotation of New York's front court.
“I'm in a place where I want to play with a great team right now,” Harrison said. “And we are just ready to go in and play, I think New York is doing a great job just making sure all we have to do is play basketball. ”
Harrison knows what he's into by joining the team coached by Sandy Brondello.
The two have known each other for ten years. Brondello was the Phoenix Mercury head coach when Harrison was 12th overall in the 2015 WNBA draft for Tennessee.
Harrison missed the entire season as he continued his rehabilitation from the torn anterior cruciate ligament. But every time she stopped by, Brondello always shared “useful words.”
Harrison learned a lot during his rookie season. Her teammates included Diana Taurasi, Britney Griner, Dewanna Bonner and Candice Dupree.
Harrison also grew up close to Blondello and her family. Therefore, the Blondello dog was named Izzy. This is Harrison's nickname.
“That's just the type of relationship that's more than basketball,” Harrison said. “Sandy has always had fun coming to work, so I'm excited to be back with her now.”
Harrison has played for three other teams since his only season with Phoenix.
Breathing while the attack is on the field against Texas Tech.
The 7th Peach Bowl was on December 28th, 1974. Harrison. Isabelle's
My father played 10 seasons in the NFL. Frank Empson / Tennessee via Image Image / USA Today Network
Harrison, who has a family history with Lupus, missed the 2018 season with an undisclosed autoimmune disease. In 2023, when Harrison had to undergo knee surgery, adversity collided again, missing out on the entire WNBA season.
Harrison didn't get the same ramp ups as he did last season several years ago. She missed a five-week season with two athletes Unlimited due to dizziness. When she was able to play, Harrison had strict limits.
“It wasn't an easy situation for me,” Harrison said.
Harrison wasn't fully powered in 2024, but she said, “I still feel like I'm doing great things.”
Athletes' unlimited professional basketball games in the city auditorium
Nashville, Tennessee on February 19, 2025. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA Today Network Imaging Image
It took her time to deal with the constant knee pain, relearn the game, and trust her body again.
Sky also has a new head coach, freshman general manager, and a very different roster, and it didn't help that Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese were adopting the lottery.
“When I signed there [in 2023]coaching staff, players, everyone in the front office, it was just different. So I'm going to my second year… I felt it was unstable from the start,” Harrison said. “Obviously you're trying to make it work for as much as possible while you're there. [there wasn’t] Really consistent. And for me, it made me feel uneasy and it was a bit difficult to know what to expect from every day. If you fall like that, it always gives the vibe of the first year. ”
Harrison played a career-high 36 games, averaging 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds, and almost came off the bench with a career average of 8.2 points and 4.7 rebounds.
Harrison has learned many lessons from his time in Chicago, including how to deal with adversity.
“I hope I've used more time in Chicago, but it took me to the present, went into a free agency and knew what I wanted,” Harrison said. . “and [I’m] I was so happy that I landed in New York, and that culture and professionalism were something I knew at this point what I needed for my career. ”
Harrison doesn't feel she's 100% yet.
“It's a constant battle,” she said.
But she has great hopes for the 2025 season in New York.
“I know that the mentality of these types of players is never satisfied,” Harrison said. “To know it, to hear it, it makes me want to bring my best game to help them achieve that goal. [of winning another title.] I hate being too late with those guys, but I look forward to building it with them. ”
