Meet TNT, a Harlem Globetrotter

Harlem Globetrotter TNT Lister is a go-getter who leads the way for women in sports. When she joined the Globetrotters in 2011, she was the first woman to be on the team since 1993. In the past six years, her success has paved the way for other women to join the team as well.

One of TNT’s favorite parts about being a Harlem Globetrotters is the opportunity to meet her fans, especially through the ABCs of Bullying Prevention program that she helps to facilitate before games. It was through this program that she began to meet hundreds of Girl Scouts. Although she was not a Girl Scout as a child, she joined the organization in 2013 after being so impressed with all of the Girl Scouts she was meeting.

“I joined Girl Scouts because I wanted to become more familiar with the organization so that I could better relate with all of the Girl Scouts I was meeting,” TNT said.

TNT knows how important it is for children to be involved in extracurricular activities to learn important life skills they may not have the chance to practice in the classroom. When she was growing up, she volunteered at the local Boys and Girls Club to host arts and crafts activities for kids—one of her first leadership opportunities. She admires Girl Scouts for being able to teach girls important life lessons in a safe, all-girl environment where they feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things.

When she meets Girl Scouts, TNT openly talks about the challenges that she faces as a female member of the Harlem Globetrotters because she wants to be a role model for girls who are interested in any career in a male-dominated field.

“There’s extra pressure on me to prove that I’m good enough to be on the team,” TNT said. “But I look at it as a positive pressure. It gives me the opportunity to show girls that they can do anything.”

When girls ask TNT for advice about how to overcome a gender barrier, she reminds them to not count themselves out too early. She knows firsthand that the thought of conquering something big can seem overwhelming, but she tells girls to believe in themselves and to not give up on their dreams.

TNT and her fellow Harlem Globetrotter team members will be playing in Norfolk on March 26 at 4 p.m. at the Ted Constant Center. Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to enjoy the game and take part in the pregame bullying prevention workshop. Purchase tickets online using promo code ABC. For groups of 10 or more, call Todd McKeating at 757-683-7087.