The Chicago Sky signed Isabelle Harrison back in 2023 to a 2-year contract, but a knee injury during training camp sidelined her for the entire season.

“It was the worst surprise,” Harrison said on Media Day. “I had full intentions of playing last year, and when I found out the news, I was just so sad that it took me out of obviously Chicago but just the league for an entire year. It was really hard watching from the sidelines, especially when it’s something you didn’t expect.” 

As she rehabbed and gained strength back, Harrison made her return to the court for a brand new Sky team in 2024 and having a fresh slate for her and the franchise is providing an extra spark for chemistry to grow throughout the season.

“The new spark into our team is that everything is new, like that in itself just gives a fresh, energized intro and journey into what this season has for us,” Harrison said. “Everything about our team is just different and I love that because we can really form it into what we want it to be. 

“We are not held by anything in the past or we don’t even have that much expectations this year either. I think that’s the beauty of it coming into it and like you deciding what you want the year to be and like you giving it what it deserves.” 

Harrison originally started this season on a minutes restriction but in one of her first games back on the court, she put up a season-high 14 points against the Mystics on June 6, her first double-digit game in a Sky uniform.

“So for me, this just means this year is just a blessing. Everything is just much bigger and much more special because you could never take for granted what you have right now,” Harrison said.

Not only did her injury spark that mental inspiration for her, but one of her brothers has been looking for a kidney donor for the last two years as he continues his battle with Lupus. She dedicated these last two Athletes Unlimited seasons to playing for the Lupus Foundation of America and has continued to raise awareness while looking for a donor.

To hear more from Isabelle Harrison, watch the full, exclusive interview above.