I recently got the chance to interview young influencer Liv Harness who has made a name for herself becoming a popular name everywhere especially on Instagram @liv_harness where she currently has 53k followers at just the age of 12 years. She has collaborated with other influencers like Jenna Bandy, Tjass, Deestroying, and many more doing mostly basketball content on the platform. I asked her six questions about herself that are very goal-driven and inspiring.
Who motivates you every day? And how’s that played a key part in your life?
“ My family motivates me. My older sister Tati is a great example for me. She works hard and is very organized. My mom and dad motivate me for all of the sacrifices they made for me. My little sister motivates me Because I want to be the example to her that Tati is to me. I have a great team around me that supports me. We are in this together and so when things get hard for me this is what I think about. Because of them, my future is very bright. All I have to do is improve my talents on and off the court. I love them.”
What impact as a young woman do you want to have in this world? How much have you contributed to it so far?
“ The Impact I want to have in this world is to spread more love for those who typically don’t get much love. I want to be there for everyone as best as I can with the time I have. I want to help support females in the future to access sports at a younger age. I feel I contributed to this using my platform in different ways already. I have joined the Venice Ball League, where we play basketball outdoors in impoverished areas. In addition to bringing entertainment to these areas, we also revitalize the courts/parks and leave the community with essentially a new park. I am very proud of this. I also volunteer to feed the homeless as well as speak publicly against bullying. I also use my social media platform to interact with people who might need a positive word or two. I’m very very proud of this.”
Who are your favorite athletes? And how much do you think they impacted you?
“ Kelsey Plum, Coco Gauff, and Rose Zhang are my favorite female athletes. All 3 have been so good for so long since they were very young. All 3 work tirelessly and all 3 are very intentional with their work and practice habits. I respect this a lot. They paved the way for me, and I am next up! “
Do you feel like more female athletes are getting more recognition now?
” No question female athletes are more popular than ever. Last year’s NCAA Women’s basketball championship game had the highest ratings ever for a female game. Tickets to watch that game live sold more than the men’s final. Women’s sports are certainly on the rise. It’s not that the women are any different than before. It’s that the coverage is there now because the public is more willing and unafraid to ask for it. I will do my part to continue to grow this.”
What goals do you want to accomplish this year? And how do you maintain being an influencer and going to school?
“ My goals for this school year:
- I will be old enough to receive my first full-ride college scholarship.
2. Get a 4.0 GPA.
3. Win Made Hoops most competitive circuit for middle school girls in the USA.
4. Buy my first car.”
“ Good question about school and influence. First off, it’s hard. There is only so much time in the day. I do online school where I also go in person for big tests and exams. I sacrifice to go online but I have to with all the traveling I do. I will go to high school in person for high school. On a typical day outside of homework, I have about 1 hour to myself. It’s a lot but I love it. I also have to trust my team in a lot of ways which is preparing me for how business is run.”
What is your favorite pair of hooping shoes? And what takes to be the best at your position
“ Currently my favorite shoes are Moolah Kicks. I love them because they are very comfortable and are designed specifically for women. I have a partnership with the company and they treat me very well. I love them as people just as much as their shoes. To be the best point guard you have to be a supreme leader you have to take full responsibility for everything you have to make everyone around you better you have to be a great teammate every single time. I also have to be a great ball handler and passer. I am the coach on the floor. I also have to be in touch with the game, understanding what is needed at what time. “