“Of course, if you have a big brother or sister, you always want to do what they do,” Isabelle Harrison once said. Growing up as the 10th of 12 kids in a lively Nashville home, Isabelle’s childhood was full of backyard games, sibling rivalries, and nonstop competition. That chaotic energy shaped her to become the dependable Liberty forward she is today.
Born on September 27, 1993, in Nashville, Tennessee, Isabelle was raised in a family of athletes, with her parents, Dennis and Ida Harrison, at the heart of it all. So, let’s get to know them a little better.
Who is Isabelle Harrison’s father Dennis? Was he a MLB player?
Isabelle Harrison’s father is Dennis Harrison, a former NFL defensive end who spent ten seasons in the league. Despite some online confusion, he was never a Major League Baseball player.
Dennis Harrison’s football career took him to several major franchises, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Atlanta Falcons. His standout season came in 1982, when he earned a spot in the Pro Bowl. He also played in Super Bowl XV as a starter for the Eagles, helping anchor a tough defense during one of the franchise’s most memorable runs.
Jun 1, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (31) shoots the ball while being defended by New York Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison (21) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
After retiring, Dennis remained active in the sport, turning to coaching. It was during his time coaching at Vanderbilt University that Isabelle—just a kid—started tagging along to practices. That early exposure left a lasting impression.
“I would actually rebound for the girls, I would shoot layups with the girls,” Isabelle recalled. “I remember the coach saying, ‘Hey, you’re really good.’”
That was the spark.
Today, even as Isabelle enters her eighth WNBA season, her dad remains her biggest supporter—often spotted courtside at her games, waiting with her gym bag in hand.
Who is Isabelle Harrison’s mother Ida? What does she do?
Ida Harrison is the heart of the Harrison family—quietly powerful, incredibly resilient, and fiercely proud of her daughter. Though she tends to stay out of the public eye, a quick look at her Instagram reveals just how much she celebrates Isabelle’s achievements, regularly posting WNBA highlights and updates.
Professionally, Ida worked as a nurse for over 30 years, all while raising 12 children. That alone speaks volumes about her strength and dedication. Isabelle often credits her mother on social media with comments like “My motivation comes from my mom who raised 12 children. Thank you for always supporting me @WNBA#jrwnbaweek“
My motivation comes from my mom who raised 12 children. Thank you for always supporting me @WNBA #jrwnbaweek pic.twitter.com/DapjBMLjbE
— Isabelle Harrison (@OMG_itsizzyb) May 8, 2016
Growing up in the Harrison household meant being surrounded by a blend of chaos and camaraderie. Isabelle’s siblings—Idette, Dennis Jr., Danielle, David, Dianne, Daniel, Della, DeeDee, Isaiah, Ian, and Dorie—were always in competition, whether in sports or sibling rivalries.
Two of her brothers, D.J. and David, pursued professional basketball careers. David, notably, was a first-round NBA Draft pick in 2004. Another sibling, DeeDee, played collegiate volleyball at Tennessee, while the youngest, Dorie, followed Izzy into college basketball.
What is Isabelle Harrison’s parents’ nationality?
Both of Isabelle Harrison’s parents, Dennis and Ida Harrison, are proudly American. The whole Harrison clan has deep roots in the U.S., and Isabelle herself grew up right in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. Her dad, Dennis, was born on July 31, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, while her mom, Ida Elizabeth Harrison, was born on January 9, 1959. Safe to say, the All-American grit runs strong in this family.
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