Jordan Harrison’s first WNBA season is in the books, but it is also her last. The Portland Fire guard announced Monday night on Instagram that she is stepping away from the game, closing the book on a rookie year that saw her go from an undrafted free agent training-camp longshot to a genuine fan favorite in Portland’s inaugural season. Read more: Jordan Harrison steps away from basketball after successful rookie WNBA season.
“Thank you, Portland, for such an amazing year,” Harrison said in her Instagram post. “Coming into this, I really had no expectations. I just wanted to give myself a chance and prove myself right. I’m so glad I did because I met so many amazing people and made connections that will last a lifetime.”
She did not disclose her plans after basketball, but Harrison has proven her ability to excel no matter the odds or circumstances.
“With that being said, I have decided to step away from playing basketball. This decision was not easy, but I have so much peace in it,” Harrison said. “I truly feel like God is calling me into a new season and has something bigger in store for my life. I trust Him and the plans He has for me, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s next!”
For a player who spent her career defying expectations, this is one more decision made entirely on her own terms.
Rookie season
Harrison’s rookie season was a true underdog story. She was not selected in this year’s draft and signed with the Fire under a training camp contract. She earned a spot on the Opening Day roster with a developmental contract. Harrison was waived early in the season, but was brought back on a developmental contract. That was later upgraded to a standard contract to finish the season.
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Harrison appeared in 16 games this season and started two. She averaged 5.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 0.7 steals in 14.1 minutes per game. Her highest-scoring game was on August 8 against the Seattle Storm. She scored 13 points in 28 minutes, making four-of-nine field goals. She added seven rebounds, six assists, and one steal.
Related: Jordan Harrison earns contract with Portland Fire after career night
In August and September, she averaged 5.8 points, 4.5 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game. She recorded 10 assists in a game twice, including her last game against the Golden State Valkyries. The Fire battled injuries all season, and Harrison stepped up to fill the void.
Life after basketball
Harrison has mentioned becoming a coach when it is all said and done. On the Chiefs Blitz YouTube channel, she talked with Hense Todd in a live video, which you can find here. This conversation occurred on April 6, 2025, and he asked her where she saw herself in five years.
“Well, honestly, I feel like probably see two ways of my life going right now,” Harrison said. “I haven’t really decided if I want to play after college yet, but if I do decide to do that, then in five years I see myself playing in the league. Financially stable. It’s very important. Or I would definitely be getting into coaching somewhere and just leaving my mark on some type of organization.”
WVU Women’s Basketball head coach Mark Kellogg would probably be the least surprised person to see her become a coach. The entire coaching staff at WVU grew to love Harrison during her time there. WVU assistant Jessica Grayson also was with Kellogg at Stephen F. Austin and played a role in recruiting Harrison.
“She was just the talker, the leader,” Grayson said. “I’ve never seen a kid like her. I don’t think I’ll ever coach a point guard like Jordan Harrison. Everything that she does is with her heart. And I always say that’s why she’s receiving the harvest that she is right now, because she is such a very humble, great leader. Great teammate. The most coachable kid that I’ve ever coached.”
Whatever Harrison does after basketball is certainly something that she will do with all her effort.
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