University of Minnesota Athletics
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/ Women's Basketball
Meet the Newcomers: Leah Harmon
8/4/2026 5:08:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Get to know Leah Harmon!
Leah Harmon joins the University of Minnesota with an athletic background rooted in a family environment where her passion for basketball first took hold. As a dedicated player known for her and high energy, Harmon is eager to embrace the authentic culture and competitive spirit of the Gophers. In this interview, she discusses her journey, her transition to Minneapolis, and her excitement for the upcoming season at The Barn.
GS: Can you take me through your background?
LH: "I grew up with my mom, my dad, and I have a brother. He's two years older than me. At our house, we had everything in our backyard. We had a pool, a swing set, and a rock climbing wall. When my brother and I decided to play basketball, my dad paved the whole backyard for us to make a court. I would see my dad and my brother outside all the time, hanging out together, working out, playing basketball. I did gymnastics, so I started off doing gymnastics. I was pretty good, too, it was really my first love. Seeing my dad and brother bond over playing basketball, I wanted that. That's why I started playing basketball. So my brother, dad and I would just go outside and play with each other, play against each other, work out, work on ourselves and work on our skills and stuff like that. It just became my normal, every day."
GS: When did you really start to improve and realize that you had a future in basketball?
LH: "Once I decided to play basketball, my dad threw me on a team. I was kind of thrown into the fire. Probably around my third grade summer. That summer, my dad and I worked out every day. We would go in the morning and then at nighttime go back outside in my backyard. I think that summer, taking it seriously and really working on my game, I improved so much just from being consistent. I enjoyed it. I think from there is when I realized this is something I like to do. I enjoyed the process of getting better, just seeing the results and getting better each day."
GS: What was your first impression when you first visited the University of Minnesota?
LH: "The culture here stood out to me. You walk into the gym and every player introduces themselves, comes and says hi to you. At practice everyone is engaged and just being themselves and happy. Everyone is cool and so genuine. The coaching staff is so authentic too. In every interview Amaya (Battle) and Mara (Braun) had, they kept saying, 'We're all best friends and have a great time.' It's a great culture to experience and play in."
GS: How has it been transitioning to a new city like Minneapolis?
LH: "It's been great. It's cool to experience new places and new areas and learn to adjust to that. I'm excited about the new move and a new area."
GS: What is your favorite part about being at Minnesota so far?
LH: "There's a lot of things to do within walking distance. Trying new food places, or being able to go to a Lynx game."
GS: Any takeaways so far from your first few weeks of practice?
LH: "Practice has been super competitive, and I'm very competitive myself, so it's the perfect environment for me. Everyone is pushing each other to be better. Everyone's trying to help each other do their best. Like if you make a mistake, 'Oh, try this,' or 'Do this.' They all try to help, especially being a newcomer. I think it's amazing to see."
GS: What are you looking forward to most in your first season as a Gopher?
LH: "I'm excited to experience this season with the girls. I feel like the team has a winning mindset. I think mainly competing and winning and just enjoying each other."
GS: For someone who has never seen you play before, how would you describe your playing style?
LH: "I really like to facilitate, whether that's creating a shot for me or getting paint touches to create opportunities for my teammates. I'm very passionate. If somebody makes a big three or if someone makes an and-one, I'll be the one jumping up and down, yelling, cheering, screaming, I just have a lot of energy. But yeah, just a point guard that wants to get my team involved and make everyone look the best that they can when they're out there."
GS: Are there any athletes that inspire you or your game?
LH: "Growing up I really liked Maya Moore. I thought she was super good. But now I would say Chelsea Gray. She's a point guard, she's crafty, she gets her teammates involved. But, when her team needs a bucket she can go do that too, and I think she's very versatile."
GS: What's it going to be like playing in The Barn for the first time as a Golden Gopher?
LH: "I think it's going to be very energetic, especially coming off the season that they just had. I feel like they're bringing in more eyes. I'm excited to play in that environment. I think it's going to be a lot of energy and super like electric."
Rapid Fire with Leah Harmon
Favorite sweet treat: Cookies
Any fun facts about yourself: Used to do cheerleading and gymnastics
Any secret talents: I can cook
Favorite pro sports team: New York Knicks
Favorite athlete: LeBron James
Biggest inspiration: My dad
Favorite TV show and/or movie: The Michael Jackson movie
Favorite musical artist: Rod Wave
Dream vacation spot: Dubai
Go-to pregame snack: Candy
GS: Can you take me through your background?
LH: "I grew up with my mom, my dad, and I have a brother. He's two years older than me. At our house, we had everything in our backyard. We had a pool, a swing set, and a rock climbing wall. When my brother and I decided to play basketball, my dad paved the whole backyard for us to make a court. I would see my dad and my brother outside all the time, hanging out together, working out, playing basketball. I did gymnastics, so I started off doing gymnastics. I was pretty good, too, it was really my first love. Seeing my dad and brother bond over playing basketball, I wanted that. That's why I started playing basketball. So my brother, dad and I would just go outside and play with each other, play against each other, work out, work on ourselves and work on our skills and stuff like that. It just became my normal, every day."
GS: When did you really start to improve and realize that you had a future in basketball?
LH: "Once I decided to play basketball, my dad threw me on a team. I was kind of thrown into the fire. Probably around my third grade summer. That summer, my dad and I worked out every day. We would go in the morning and then at nighttime go back outside in my backyard. I think that summer, taking it seriously and really working on my game, I improved so much just from being consistent. I enjoyed it. I think from there is when I realized this is something I like to do. I enjoyed the process of getting better, just seeing the results and getting better each day."
GS: What was your first impression when you first visited the University of Minnesota?
LH: "The culture here stood out to me. You walk into the gym and every player introduces themselves, comes and says hi to you. At practice everyone is engaged and just being themselves and happy. Everyone is cool and so genuine. The coaching staff is so authentic too. In every interview Amaya (Battle) and Mara (Braun) had, they kept saying, 'We're all best friends and have a great time.' It's a great culture to experience and play in."
GS: How has it been transitioning to a new city like Minneapolis?
LH: "It's been great. It's cool to experience new places and new areas and learn to adjust to that. I'm excited about the new move and a new area."
GS: What is your favorite part about being at Minnesota so far?
LH: "There's a lot of things to do within walking distance. Trying new food places, or being able to go to a Lynx game."
GS: Any takeaways so far from your first few weeks of practice?
LH: "Practice has been super competitive, and I'm very competitive myself, so it's the perfect environment for me. Everyone is pushing each other to be better. Everyone's trying to help each other do their best. Like if you make a mistake, 'Oh, try this,' or 'Do this.' They all try to help, especially being a newcomer. I think it's amazing to see."
GS: What are you looking forward to most in your first season as a Gopher?
LH: "I'm excited to experience this season with the girls. I feel like the team has a winning mindset. I think mainly competing and winning and just enjoying each other."
GS: For someone who has never seen you play before, how would you describe your playing style?
LH: "I really like to facilitate, whether that's creating a shot for me or getting paint touches to create opportunities for my teammates. I'm very passionate. If somebody makes a big three or if someone makes an and-one, I'll be the one jumping up and down, yelling, cheering, screaming, I just have a lot of energy. But yeah, just a point guard that wants to get my team involved and make everyone look the best that they can when they're out there."
GS: Are there any athletes that inspire you or your game?
LH: "Growing up I really liked Maya Moore. I thought she was super good. But now I would say Chelsea Gray. She's a point guard, she's crafty, she gets her teammates involved. But, when her team needs a bucket she can go do that too, and I think she's very versatile."
GS: What's it going to be like playing in The Barn for the first time as a Golden Gopher?
LH: "I think it's going to be very energetic, especially coming off the season that they just had. I feel like they're bringing in more eyes. I'm excited to play in that environment. I think it's going to be a lot of energy and super like electric."
Rapid Fire with Leah Harmon
Favorite sweet treat: Cookies
Any fun facts about yourself: Used to do cheerleading and gymnastics
Any secret talents: I can cook
Favorite pro sports team: New York Knicks
Favorite athlete: LeBron James
Biggest inspiration: My dad
Favorite TV show and/or movie: The Michael Jackson movie
Favorite musical artist: Rod Wave
Dream vacation spot: Dubai
Go-to pregame snack: Candy
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