At Morgan State University, students are encouraged to wear many hats—leaders, scholars, athletes, and creators. For Ivy Harrington, though, her hat has always been a crown. A standout defender on the Morgan State Women's Basketball team from 2013 to 2016, Harrington exemplifies what it means to pursue excellence both on and off the court. Whether dominating in athletics, excelling academically, or forging a path in media, she proves there are no limits to what can be achieved when determination meets passion.
Born and raised in Neptune, New Jersey, Harrington grew up in a home grounded in faith, discipline, and love. With a pastor for a father and a teacher for a mother, she was instilled with values that continue to guide her through every chapter of life. "My mom emphasized doing my best to excel and strive toward excellence in everything I do," Harrington shared.
That foundation—combined with her father's reminder to "be universal" and embrace diverse interests—helped shape Harrington into more than just an athlete. From student leadership roles to extracurricular pursuits, she embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and build the character that fuels her journey today.
Life at Morgan
As a freshman in college, most students spend their first year learning to balance classes, find their community, and adjust to a new chapter of life. For Ivy Harrington, Morgan State Athletics made that transition seamless.
"Being a part of the athletic department, you're like your own little world on campus," Harrington shared. "There are other student-athletes, counselors, and coaches, and you really do have that built-in community."
At Morgan State, Harrington studied Broadcast Journalism in the School of Global Journalism and Communication. "I loved to talk—and I'm pretty good at it," she laughed. "So going to class every day for something I love to do was fun."
From the moment she arrived on campus, Harrington made her presence felt. As a freshman, she was named team captain—a rare honor for a first-year player. She went on to deliver standout performances, including a season-high 18 points against Delaware State on February 24, 2014. Her sophomore year began just as strongly. During a matchup against Georgia Tech, she struggled early, scoring only four points in the first half—but she roared back with a dominant second-half effort, finishing with 20 points.
Beyond the court, Harrington's impact extended across campus. She immersed herself in student life, joining several organizations and taking on leadership roles that reflected her drive to uplift others. By her senior year, she had become a respected voice among her peers, serving as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)—an organization that amplifies student-athlete perspectives at the institutional, conference, and national levels. In that role, she worked to ensure the experiences of Morgan State's athletes were heard, valued, and supported.
Her leadership in SAAC strengthened the very skills that would shape her professional path—communication, advocacy, and the power of storytelling. Representing her peers gave her a platform to speak up for others, laying the foundation for her later success in journalism and marketing communications.
That same year, Harrington was crowned Miss Senior for the 2016–2017 academic year, another milestone that expanded her confidence and reach. "It helped me with my communication skills, how to navigate different crowds, and how to network with people," she explained.
Balancing her many roles—student, athlete, and leader—wasn't easy, but Harrington never let one responsibility outweigh another. Supported by her teammates, coaches, staff, and family, she always felt encouraged to chase her goals. "They embraced my decision and really relished it, like it was an accomplishment," she shared. "They thought it was so cool, and that really made me feel good about choosing to even go after it."
Being a student-athlete came with challenges—long practices, travel days, and demanding coursework—but Harrington learned early that time management and discipline were key. Those lessons, forged at Morgan State, continue to guide her long after she hung up her jersey.
Life after Morgan
A year after graduating from Morgan State, Ivy Harrington stayed in Maryland before eventually returning home to New Jersey. There, she joined the New Jersey Department of Education's communications team—a role that allowed her to apply her storytelling and media skills in a meaningful new way. It wasn't the broadcasting career she had once envisioned right out of college, but as Harrington puts it, "God had more in store for me."
One evening, while flipping through TV channels, Harrington came across the Miss USA competition. On the screen was Deshauna Barber, Miss District of Columbia—and a fellow HBCU graduate—claiming the crown. Watching Barber's confidence and poise sparked something within her. Inspired by Barber's example, Harrington decided to step into the world of pageantry herself.
Her first competition began as a personal challenge—a chance to network, grow, and push beyond her comfort zone. In her debut, she placed in the Top 20. The following year, she returned stronger, earning a spot in the Top 5. After taking a short break to refocus, Harrington made a comeback that would change everything: she was crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2025.
Now, she's preparing to compete for the title of Miss USA, which will take place October 18–24 in Reno, Nevada. "It's full steam ahead—making sure my gown is ready, doing mock interviews, and staying up to date on current events," Harrington shared. "When I step in front of the judges, I want them to see that I am their Miss USA. New Jersey has never won Miss USA, so there's an extra incentive for me to bring that crown home."
For the competition, Harrington will wear a gown that embodies Black Girl Magic—a reflection of pride, power, and grace. But beyond the crown, her purpose runs deeper. "I want to leave knowing I made a connection," she said. "If a young girl sees me and feels like she belongs—that she's seen, valued, and capable of anything—then I've already won."
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
