14-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Designs Iowa's Tournament Shoes

A 14-year-old cancer survivor is stepping into the NCAA Tournament in the most incredible way possible.

Harper Stribe from Ankeny, Iowa, presented the Iowa women's basketball team with custom Nike Air Force 1s on Selection Sunday. The white, gold and black shoes were her design, chosen by Nike as part of a program inviting superfans to create tournament footwear for college teams.

But Harper isn't just any superfan. Her connection to the Hawkeyes began in 2017 when she was diagnosed at age 5 with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that formed a tumor around her jawbone and facial nerves.

During treatment at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, players like Megan Gustafson and Tania Davis visited Harper regularly. She became part of the team family, eventually signing a symbolic letter of intent complete with her own locker and jersey.

When Iowa advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2019, Harper joined the team on the court to cut down the net. She had completed her first round of treatment and was cancer-free.

Then in 2022, the cancer returned. Harper underwent a grueling 14-hour surgery to remove the tumor and rebuild her jaw using bone and tissue from her leg.

A new generation of players, including Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin, visited her during this second battle. ESPN's College GameDay featured Harper's story during back-to-back championship seasons as she attended practices between treatments.

"This kid embodies everything that's right about being an amazing young woman," head coach Jan Jensen told her team. "She has fought and faced a lot of challenges, and she keeps showing up and shows everyone what it's like to keep winning."

Sunny's Take

Harper's journey reminds us that inspiration flows both ways. While the Hawkeyes motivated her through two cancer battles, her courage gave them something even more powerful to play for. When Nike asked Iowa to choose someone special for this honor, the coaches didn't hesitate.

Now fans everywhere can wear Harper's design too, with the shoes available on Nike.com for $140 alongside other superfan creations from schools nationwide.

The Hawkeyes face Fairleigh Dickinson on Saturday with Harper's gold and black design on their feet and her unbreakable spirit in their hearts.