How a devastating knee injury failed to derail Isabelle Harrison's professional career
In short: In February 2015, a torn ACL threatened to end Isabelle Harrison's basketball aspirations before they truly began. Instead, she navigated a journey through multiple WNBA teams and surgical recoveries to become a standout force in professional basketball and a mentor for the next generation.
Isabelle Harrison's professional trajectory has been defined by both significant setbacks and remarkable resilience. After a devastating ACL tear in February 2015 while playing against Kentucky, Harrison was forced to sit out her entire rookie year. Despite this, she was selected 12th overall in the 2015 WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury, becoming the 34th Lady Volunteer selected in the draft and the first since 2012.
Her career has seen her move through several high-profile organizations. Following her debut in 2016, where she averaged 3.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per game for the Mercury, she was traded to the San Antonio Stars in 2017. She later moved to the Dallas Wings in May 2019 and signed with the Chicago Sky in February 2023, though a torn left meniscus sidelined her for that entire season.
By 2025, Harrison had re-established herself as a premier competitor. While playing for the New York Liberty, she also competed in her fifth season with Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball. During that 2025 season, she ranked eighth on the final leaderboard and set a league record for single-week win points. Beyond her athletic achievements, Harrison has dedicated herself to mentorship, joining the WNBA Changemakers Collective in February 2024 to help develop diverse leaders in sports.
The daughter of ex-NFL defensive end Dennis Harrison Jr., Isabelle Harrison still shows the stamina needed for top-tier professional play.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Isabelle Harrison
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