Harmone has been boxing for only five months, logging just over 50 days of training. What began as a simple introduction quickly turned into something much bigger. “I really like it because it helps keep me disciplined,” she said. “It helps with a lot of other things too.” Despite having no prior athletic background, she stepped into the gym and found her calling. 

Her father and coach, Orlando Sisson, recalls the moment he realized his daughter had untapped potential. “I saw that she was competitive, and one day I felt her hands - they were heavy,” he said. “The next day, I took her to the gym without telling her. When we walked in, it was like she was in a candy store. She told me right then, ‘This is what I want to do.’” 

From that moment on, Harmone committed fully. She began training twice a day, studying film, and pushing herself far beyond what most would expect from a beginner, let alone a 12-year-old. “I just pushed myself,” Harmone said. “My dad and my coach saw that I had it, so I just started fighting.” 

Under the guidance of her coach, Leroy Baker, a USA Boxing Gold Certified coach who has trained elite athletes, Harmone’s growth has been remarkable. “She’s a natural,” Baker said. “She was picking up advanced techniques within the first couple of days. And her work ethic - she outworks adults. I’ve trained national champions and Olympic athletes, and she works just as hard, if not more.” 

That combination of natural ability and relentless effort quickly translated into success. Harmone captured national titles early in her career, an achievement that even she is still processing. “It makes me feel really good,” she said. “It helps me know that I’m good at my sport, but I still have things to work on.” 

Even in victory, Harmone’s mindset reflects a maturity beyond her years. She said that while she was excited to win, she also understood that continued success would require even more effort. “I was excited when I won,” she said, “but I knew that to keep winning, I had to work even harder.” That perspective carries into every match she steps into, where she balances both nerves and confidence. “You feel nervous at first,” she explained, “but once you get going, everything you learned comes naturally.” Whether she wins or loses, Harmone approaches each experience as a chance to improve, noting that “if you lose, you learn what to fix,” and even in victory, “you still have things to work on.” 

At Snowden Elementary, her achievements have sparked excitement among classmates and teachers alike, creating a sense of pride throughout the school community. “They were really excited when they found out I won,” Harmone said, reflecting on the support she’s received from those around her. 

That impact, however, extends far beyond the school walls and into the broader Memphis community. For her father, Orlando, her success represents something much bigger than individual wins. “No female has done what she’s done at this age here,” he said. “This is big – for Memphis, for the community.” 

Even with such early success, Harmone and her team remain focused on the long journey ahead. Her goals are ambitious: to compete in the Olympics, become a professional boxer, and one day be a world champion. Coach Baker sees her current accomplishments as just the beginning, emphasizing the importance of continued growth and experience. “This is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “We’re going to keep her in national tournaments, keep her learning, and keep her growing.” 

For now, Harmone remains grounded, driven by discipline and a desire to keep improving. The lessons she’s learning through boxing continue to guide her both in and out of the ring. “Stay disciplined and stay humble,” she said – values that are already shaping her journey and setting the foundation for what’s to come. Despite her success on a national stage, Harmone is still, at her core, a bit shy and incredibly humble. But in a quiet moment during the interview, her confidence and joy shined through. With a smile that seemed to light up the room, she proudly said, “My name is Harmone, and I’m ranked number one in the country.” In that moment, the joy and spirit of a young athlete who has already accomplished so much was unmistakable – a reminder that while her journey is just beginning, her passion is already leading the way forward.