Black History Month Feature: Courtney Harrison
February 27, 2025 | Softball, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Princeton Athletics is proud to celebrate the heritage and culture of our Black student-athletes during Black History Month! As part of this celebration, we will be featuring Q&As with members of Princeton's Black Student-Athlete Collective.
A junior utility player for Princeton's softball team, Courtney Harrison has appeared in 63 career games for the Tigers en route to a pair of Ivy League championships and a trip to the 2024 NCAA Tournament. On campus, she currently serves as the Secretary of the Black Student-Athlete Collective.
How do you celebrate Black History Month, and what does it mean to you both personally and professionally?
On campus, I celebrate Black History Month by going to events hosted by all the different Black affinity groups on campus. In general, Black History Month brings out an extreme amount of pride I have for my identity and my community. The togetherness felt this month reminds me to walk through the world with strength and courage, like the people who came before me did.
What role have your family and community played in supporting your athletic career?
My family and I call ourselves Team Harrison. We are each other's number one supporters through all the twists and turns of life. My father has always been "Coach Dad", helping me become a better player with every opportunity. My mother has always prioritized my mental well-being and ensured that my love for the game remains unwavering. Together, my parents have always encouraged me and my sister to pursue athletic and academic opportunities that they would have never dreamed of when they were my age.
Who are some Black History innovators or leaders outside your family that you draw inspiration from, and what about that person inspires you?
Mae Jemison was the first Black woman to go to space. Her story, her passion, and her success is an inspiration to me because it shows that just because someone who looks like you hasn't done it, doesn't mean you can't be the first.
How do you leverage your platform as an athlete to advocate for or support Black communities?
On campus, being Black and being a woman are two identities that are intertwined and influence with my experience here at Princeton. The biggest thing that I advocate for is creating spaces on campus for Black women where they are seen, heard, and celebrated. Black women are the backbone of our society and they deserve to be loved and protected just as hard as they love and protect others.
What message would you like to share with other African American youth who aspire to pursue athletics?
Do not shy away from what you are most passionate about. It is not always going to be easy, but your drive and passion is enough to help you persist through all challenges thrown your way.
A junior utility player for Princeton's softball team, Courtney Harrison has appeared in 63 career games for the Tigers en route to a pair of Ivy League championships and a trip to the 2024 NCAA Tournament. On campus, she currently serves as the Secretary of the Black Student-Athlete Collective.
How do you celebrate Black History Month, and what does it mean to you both personally and professionally?
On campus, I celebrate Black History Month by going to events hosted by all the different Black affinity groups on campus. In general, Black History Month brings out an extreme amount of pride I have for my identity and my community. The togetherness felt this month reminds me to walk through the world with strength and courage, like the people who came before me did.
What role have your family and community played in supporting your athletic career?
My family and I call ourselves Team Harrison. We are each other's number one supporters through all the twists and turns of life. My father has always been "Coach Dad", helping me become a better player with every opportunity. My mother has always prioritized my mental well-being and ensured that my love for the game remains unwavering. Together, my parents have always encouraged me and my sister to pursue athletic and academic opportunities that they would have never dreamed of when they were my age.
Who are some Black History innovators or leaders outside your family that you draw inspiration from, and what about that person inspires you?
Mae Jemison was the first Black woman to go to space. Her story, her passion, and her success is an inspiration to me because it shows that just because someone who looks like you hasn't done it, doesn't mean you can't be the first.
How do you leverage your platform as an athlete to advocate for or support Black communities?
On campus, being Black and being a woman are two identities that are intertwined and influence with my experience here at Princeton. The biggest thing that I advocate for is creating spaces on campus for Black women where they are seen, heard, and celebrated. Black women are the backbone of our society and they deserve to be loved and protected just as hard as they love and protect others.
What message would you like to share with other African American youth who aspire to pursue athletics?
Do not shy away from what you are most passionate about. It is not always going to be easy, but your drive and passion is enough to help you persist through all challenges thrown your way.
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