Words by Marla Price | Images by Al Blanton
Seventh grader Zarah Harden is already leaving her mark as a Meek Tiger.
As a member of the 1A state volleyball runner-up team, she earned a spot on the state all-tournament team at the conclusion of the season. What’s even more amazing is that volleyball isn’t even her favorite sport—it’s basketball.
“I love the concept of basketball, but I also like to hang out with my teammates,” she said, adding that she has played on an AAU team since the 3rd grade. One of her teams, the Alabama Southern Stars, finished as an AAU National Runner-Up. She also competed in the Nike Jr. Elite Youth Basketball League’s Final Four.
When asked how she manages to stay so involved in extracurricular activities, including participating in FCA, SGA, DECA, and Club America, as well as maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Zarah credits her faith in God. “I’m doing all of this for a purpose, and everything is done through Christ.”
Her coaches have also inspired her, and two of the most influential have been her parents, Wes and Ashton Harden. “They tell me to do everything on purpose, for a purpose, which means to practice and play with a purpose,” she said.
Zarah also said that having great coaches and teammates is the best part about being an athlete. “Some players get carried away with themselves, but you can’t be the leading scorer or the best player on the court without your teammates,” she emphasized.
Future aspirations include playing basketball in college, while her career goals include becoming an airline pilot or a sports announcer. In her free time, she loves to utilize her artistic talents through 2D and digital drawing, as well as creating collages.
While Zarah is only just beginning her journey at MHS, it’s already clear she understands that success means more than just winning games. It’s about being a good teammate, honoring her faith, and using every opportunity—on and off the court—to live with purpose. That mindset, more than any stat line, is what makes her a winner. 67
