Tatiana Harness

Tati, Who is your hero?

My dad. The reason I chose him is because he always leads by example. My dad shows me how to live life and how to be the best human possible. He inspires me because I see him push through his own struggles because of his mentality.

How has being a basketball player changed your life?

How hard you have to work to get what you want in life. It has also shown me the different opportunities it can bring. It has influenced me to work harder in everything I do. Whether school or my podcast you have to put the time and work into succeed.

What advice can you share with kids about being a great basketball player and being a great human being?

Whatever you put out in the world will always come back to you. If you do a good deed it will come back to you in some shape or form. Work hard on and off the court. Nothing is ever given to you.

What do you do to ensure your mental health is as strong as your physical health?

This isn’t talked about enough. I do a lot of meditation and visualization. Mental health is really important and is something you have to have if you‘re trying to make it to the next level. This belief makes me do better. I can foresee myself making a shot. Every morning and night is great just to put 10 minutes towards your mental health.

Who in your life brings you love and encouragement?

My sisters brings out the best in me. I am so grateful for them because I wouldn’t be where I am at today without them. They are my motivation to set the best example possible in anything I am doing. Shout out to my parents who do anything and everything to make my goals achievable and provide me all the tools I need. They are truly sensational and I don’t know how they do it! Lastly, shout out to my trainer Joshua, who spends a lot of time with my building my physical game and mental game.

How old are you and what is the biggest lesson you have learned in your life?

I am 15 years old. One of the biggest lessons I have learned in my life is don’t take anything for granted. Before the pandemic I was consistently playing in basketball tournaments so I always expected another game. During the pandemic I learned that nothing is ever guaranteed so don’t take it for granted. Every game means so much more to me now.

When life gets hard, how do you overcome the challenges you face?

When I look back at all my hard work and my families hard work as well, I think, why would I quit or give up now? My family is the reason why I keep going and overcome obstacles.

What do you wish adults would understand about young people today?

Mental health is so tough today. We live in a society that isn’t really supportive. Adults need to remember this. Lots of young people struggle with mental health and adults don’t get it.

Tati. what keeps you waking up every morning and pursing this life?

My sisters keep me waking up every morning, literally! Okay but they really do keep me motivated to be the best roll model and showing them the way to success which wakes me up everyday. My success thus far keep me pursing this life. I forsee myself being so successful if I can just set up my future now so that makes me what to continue pursing this life.

What are some of your biggest dreams?

Getting a D1 scholarship for basketball. I also want to be able to provide for myself on my own. Lastly, I want to stay involved with sports my whole life because sports keeps this world together.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Work as hard as you can right now and you will set yourself up for your entire future. Also, work on your weaknesses everyday and turn them into your strengths.

What does self love mean to you?

Figuring out what you really want to do in this life and purue it. Also doing things for yourself and doing what makes you happy. It is more important to care about yourself first, and others second.

Do you feel you have a purpose? How does that play into who you are today and who you want to become?

I think my purpose in life is to help others. With the profession I am pursuing, a doctor, they are meant to help the people in need. Looking at how my dad helps others in need as a lawyer, I want to pursue after his footsteps.

To continue following Tati’s journey, click here.