Isabelle Harrison faced a major setback last season when she required knee surgery. The former Lady Vols star had already missed two of her eight WNBA seasons and now, a torn meniscus threatened to sideline her during her first season with the Chicago Sky. Yet, Harrison was determined to return to the court.
“I just want to make sure if I do go out, I’m going out on my terms. This is just something that I knew I wasn’t ready to be done,” Harrison said. “Despite all the pain, tears, and long days that nobody saw, I stayed committed and I’m proud of it.”
Harrison’s first game back with the Sky was a surreal moment, marking the end of her hardest rehab yet, even tougher than recovering from the torn ACL she suffered as a senior at Tennessee. At 30, Harrison sometimes feels like she’s playing catch up, but she remains in the WNBA, where securing a spot becomes more challenging each year. Now, she stands as the last active WNBA player to have played for the legendary Lady Vols coach, Pat Summitt.
Why Isabelle Harrison Always Looked Up to Candace Parker
Harrison was a rookie when Lady Vols legend Candace Parker won her first WNBA championship in 2016, delivering a tearful tribute to Summitt, who had passed away that summer after battling Alzheimer’s. Parker retired in April after a remarkable 16-year career, leaving Harrison as the sole bearer of Summitt’s legacy in the league.
Harrison found out about Parker’s retirement on social media, a discovery she didn’t appreciate. She was already saddened by Parker’s departure, who had always been her favorite player.
“It’s like, man, now I feel like that load is now on me, and it just keeps everything in perspective,” Harrison said. “I’m doing this not only for my family, but also for the game of basketball, Tennessee fans, and of course, Pat Summitt.”
The WNBA is experiencing record-breaking viewership and attendance this season, a culmination of steady progress over recent years. Harrison wishes Parker could have played one more season to enjoy the hype and recognition she helped create since being the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2008.
“(I wish) new fans and everybody across the world could just know who Candace Parker is, because she is a legend, an icon,” Harrison said.
Harrison credits Parker with popularizing the term “big guard,” admiring her ability to handle the ball, shoot, pass, and drive at her size while excelling in the post. Parker’s illustrious career includes three WNBA championships, Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in the same season in 2008, two Olympic gold medals, and numerous other accolades.
Due to missing three seasons, Harrison only played against Parker for six seasons but cherishes the memories and pictures of guarding her.
“I always wanted to score on Candace,” Harrison said, laughing. “Had I known she would retire, I don’t know if I would have gone at her harder. I just wish I had more games to play against her as a sign of respect.”
Lady Vols 🧡💙 @LadyVol_Hoops pic.twitter.com/iWp0GsfwZq
— Isabelle Harrison (@OMG_itsizzyb) May 31, 2024
‘I Wish Every Day That She Was Still Here’
Seeing college coaches attend WNBA games to support their former players is bittersweet for Harrison. It’s heartwarming but also a stark reminder that her coach, Pat Summitt, isn’t there to do the same.
“I wish every day that she was still here. I really do,” Harrison said of Summitt. “I see how players now can have their coaches around and coming to games, and I think that’s so special. But I’m carrying the Tennessee legacy in everything that I do… What did Pat always say, ‘defense and rebounds win games’? And that’s something I make sure I do every single game.”
Whenever Harrison sees coaches at games, she takes it as a reminder of her roots and the lessons she learned from Summitt and Tennessee. Playing against other former Lady Vols, she makes sure they connect and take a picture together.
Harrison longs for Summitt to be present at her games and visit Tennessee, but she believes it’s her goal and passion to carry on Summitt’s name through her play.
“Because I went through those years and those things for a reason. I’m just going to continue to keep it with me,” Harrison said.