For Tennessee State sophomore guard Genesis Harris, basketball has always been tied to one place—home. And for her, home is Nashville.

"Most of my family is from Nashville," Harris says. "Choosing TSU meant choosing my community. It's an HBCU, it's close to home, and there's a real sense of belonging here."

That connection made Tennessee State the natural choice, but Harris' journey to this point didn't begin with big expectations. Her earliest basketball memory still makes her laugh.

"When I played rec league, I never wanted the ball," she admits. "I just liked the snacks we got after."

Somewhere between those early days and her senior year of high school, the game became more than just fun. That senior season—and ultimately earning the opportunity to play college basketball—stands as one of the proudest moments of her career.

Carving Out a Bigger Role

Now in her sophomore season, Harris' growth has become more visible on the floor. After limited opportunities early in her college career, she's earning more minutes and becoming a consistent piece in the Lady Tigers' rotation.

Through 11 games, Harris has played in every contest, making five starts while averaging 15.1 minutes per game. She's contributing 2.8 points per game, shooting 34.4 percent from the field and 35.0 percent from three-point range, while adding nearly a rebound per outing.

Her role has expanded steadily as the season has gone on, and Harris credits her growth to confidence and toughness.

"Toughness," she says, when asked what part of her game has improved the most. "Mentally and physically."

She describes her playing style in three words: decisive, shooter, IQ—traits that have become more evident as she's been trusted with increased minutes.

"I feel more experienced," Harris says. "And honestly, more a part of the team."

Confidence Built at Home

That comfort level has carried over into her mindset. Harris says the biggest lesson she's learned since arriving on campus is patience.

"Your time will come," she says. It's advice she wishes she could give her freshman-year self—and a belief that fuels her approach every day.

Her goals entering year two are simple but meaningful: keep earning minutes, keep growing mentally, and keep getting better.

"Actually playing," she says. "And just getting better at basketball, especially mentally."

The Person Behind the Player

Off the court, Harris is easygoing and self-aware. She calls herself funny—"I crack myself up"—and says teammate Somah Kamara keeps the locker room laughing while also being the most competitive.

Her pregame routine is minimal: no superstitions, just music. "Anything by NBA Youngboy," she says. And when basketball isn't the focus, Harris values rest, time in her room, and cooking or baking. If she weren't playing basketball, she'd be competing in volleyball.

She dreams of traveling to Greece one day, unwinds with Grey's Anatomy, and would choose dogs over cats every time.

What TSU Means

For Harris, being part of TSU Women's Basketball is about growth—often beyond what she expects from herself.

"It reminds me every day that I'm better than I think I am," she says.

As her role continues to expand, Harris remains grounded in her roots. She's a hometown player learning how to thrive at home, gaining confidence with every minute on the floor, and embracing the process of becoming the player—and person—she's capable of being.

For Genesis Harris, the journey is still unfolding. But one thing is certain: Nashville raised her—and TSU is helping her rise.