Instagram-famous tricks land former Shocker on the Harlem Globetrotters
In the past couple of years, Wichita State has sent a good amount of players to professional basketball careers.
Both Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet are currently on NBA rosters.
But Hannah Mortimer opted for a different kind of professional basketball career.
Mortimer, a Salina native who was a walk-on player at WSU until her graduation last year, is a rookie for the Harlem Globetrotters this year.
Playing for the Globetrotters lets her have fun showing off tricks, she said.
“That’s a lot about what we do – we want to make people smile,” Mortimer said. “It’s been a dream come true.”
How did it happen?
As a kid, Mortimer learned from her dad how to spin a basketball on one finger.
Now, years later, she’s able to spin a basketball on nearly anything: Her toothbrush, a book, a ballpoint pen – you name it.
As a basketball player at Wichita State, she became known for showing off basketball tricks for children in the stands before games.
She began posting videos of her tricks to Instagram and quickly found followers online. She currently has more than 13,000 followers on Instagram.
Last year, she tried out – and made – the Harlem Globetrotters as a rookie.
Everyone on the team has a nickname. Hers is “Mighty.”
“She’s picking this thing up really quick,” said Julian ‘Zeus’ McClurkin, a veteran Globetrotter. “One thing about being a Harlem Globetrotter – you can catch on if somebody is fit to be a Globetrotter or not. ... She’s great with her tricks, she’s very personable and she’s a great ball player as well.”
A childhood idol
Before Mortimer, there was another Wichita woman who became famous for playing with the Harlem Globetrotters.
Her name was Lynette Woodard – the first-ever female to play for the Globetrotters.
A Wichita North High grad, Woodard signed with the Globetrotters in 1985, shortly after helping the USA women’s basketball team win a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics.
After learning about Woodard, Mortimer said she made it her personal goal to play for the Harlem Globetrotters, too.
“Now I’m blessed enough have the opportunity to be here playing and putting a smile on people’s faces every day,” Mortimer said.
Matt Riedl: 316-268-6660, @RiedlMatt
Harlem Globetrotters
When: 7 p.m. Sat.
Where: Intrust Bank Arena, 500 E. Waterman
What: Legendary basketball team brings its 2018 World Tour to Wichita, displaying their impressive ball-handling skills, dunks, trick shots and comedy routines. Wichita State alum Hannah “Mighty” Mortimer, in her rookie season with the Globetrotters, will be with the team.
Admission: $20-$105. Use the code “MIGHTY” to get 20 percent off at www.selectaseat.com, by phone at 855-755-7328 or in person at Intrust Bank Arena, 500 E. Waterman.
This story was originally published January 31, 2018 at 4:06 PM with the headline "Instagram-famous tricks land former Shocker on the Harlem Globetrotters."