For Donte Harrison, basketball opened the door. But what he has built beyond the game is what makes his story especially meaningful.
As a Hampton University alumnus and former student-athlete, Donte’s path reflects the kind of long-term impact 68 Oak Collective hopes to support. His journey is rooted in education, discipline, ownership, and the belief that athletes can use their platform to create opportunities far beyond competition.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Donte went on to build a professional basketball career that has taken him across the country and around the world. Today, he also brings that same focus to real estate, where he works as a licensed Florida real estate agent and active investor committed to building generational wealth.
In this Alumni Spotlight, Donte reflects on his path from Hampton to the Harlem Globetrotters, the lessons sports taught him, and how today’s athletes can prepare for life beyond the game.
How Donte Harrison Is Building Impact Beyond the Game
Q: Can you share a little about your journey from being a student-athlete to where you are today?
“That final year of college, transitioning into the real world, is always scary, especially for us athletes,” Donte said. “You don’t always know that your talents will be seen by a professional team.”
While Donte had opportunities to pursue professional basketball after graduation, he was also focused on completing his degree. As graduation approached, he had to balance both paths.
“I felt being a first-generation college student and achieving my bachelor’s degree was a great step in the right direction,” he said. Soon after, the next opportunity came. The day after finishing classes, Donte was invited to train with the Harlem Globetrotters.
“It’s crazy how those things lined up for me,” he said. “I was patient, I got my degree, and I’ve been playing with the Harlem Globetrotters for 17 years now.”
Q: What are some of the biggest lessons sports have taught you throughout your career?
“You have to be resilient, and be able to work hard,” he said. “There’s no one that’s going to put you talent-wise where you need to be. You’ve got to be mentally and physically tough.
I think sports overall is the greatest teacher of adjusting to the real world. Being able to work well with others, to be on a team, to support each other, to take your losses and know that you have to hit the drawing board and come back better.”
Q: How did your experience as a student-athlete help prepare you for life beyond athletics?
While basketball was always Donte’s focus, he understood that his career would eventually evolve. That perspective helped him start thinking seriously about life after the game.
“I grew up, and my primary focus was obviously basketball. I didn’t see myself doing anything else,” Donte said. “But seven years in, I knew that I would eventually not be able to play anymore.”
That realization led him to real estate. Donte became a licensed agent in 2016 and began investing in properties in Tampa, Florida. Today, he and his wife own and manage about 12 properties and a portfolio for other investors.
“I put a big emphasis on building wealth through not just your personal brand, but through real estate as well,” he said. “I’m always inspiring my teammates, colleagues, friends, and family to invest in real estate, invest in themselves, and build ownership.” The discipline he developed through sports continues to shape how he leads today.
Q: When you think about your career and impact so far, what are you most proud of?
“I’m most proud that I was able to achieve my goals,” he said.
“As I went on in my career, I started to learn that my impact and my voice were more important than my physical capabilities. Joining the Harlem Globetrotters allowed me to step into a role outside of myself and be part of something bigger.” It also pushed Donte to grow in ways he did not expect. “[It] gave me a voice and a platform to express my personality and creativity.”
Q: How do you think NIL opportunities are changing the experience for today’s student-athletes, and what kind of impact do you hope initiatives like 68 Oak Collective continue to have?
“I think it definitely changes the sporting world in a good way,” he said. “It puts more emphasis on building your personal brand and knowing how you carry yourself can impact your career off the court.”
For Donte, NIL opportunities can give athletes direction and financial experience while they are still in school. “I think having that structure and also being able to make a financial impact in your family at such a young age is helpful.”
Through initiatives like 68 Oak Collective, Hampton student-athletes have the opportunity to build relationships, access resources, and prepare for success both within and beyond athletics.
Support Hampton University Athletics
Donte Harrison’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when talent, education, discipline, and purpose come together. His story reflects the collective's larger mission: helping student-athletes grow professionally and personally. To support Hampton University student-athletes through 68 Oak Collective, visit the memberships page.