Wichita Southeast girls basketball player Tiana Hardwell recently spoke to VYPE in an interview. She discussed her team by saying “I love the bond that we have created. We can have tough practices but end it with jokes and laughs. I think that’s why we can take feedback from one another because the relationship is there”.
“I’ve learned how important communication is. Our team works better when we talk to each other about our game plan and our strengths. That helps us put the right person in the right place. This is something that I use everyday. Sometimes you get frustrated when communication issues happen. Sports has taught me how to work through it” said Hardwell.
Not only does Hardwell play basketball but she also shared “I lead the EmpowHERment project which I created in 2021. I founded this initiative to help other young girls like myself see their self-worth and to give them the tools to overcome cyberbullying. It’s something that many girls my age have dealt with. I spend a lot of hours creating presentations and talking to girls to empower them. Just last year, this community service project of mine earned two proclamations that recognized my work—one from the City of Wichita and the other from the State of Kansas.”
When talking about what motivates her Hardwell explained that “My mom inspires me to go beyond my comfort zone. She challenges me to do what doesn’t always come easy. I see her do that as a business owner and in her daily life so she’s leading by example”.
