Former HBCU basketball standout Ivy Harrington has been crowned Miss New Jersey USA 2025 at Hotel Parsippany in North Jersey. The 30-year-old Morgan State University graduate will represent New Jersey at the 74th Miss USA pageant later this year. Her victory follows years of dedication both on the basketball court and in pageantry.
From HBCU Basketball Star to Pageant Queen
Harrington played four impressive seasons at Morgan State University from 2013 to 2017. During her collegiate career, she appeared in 114 games and scored 457 points while averaging 16.1 minutes per game. Her basketball prowess showed most prominently in her freshman year.
Beyond scoring, Harrington demonstrated all-around athletic ability with 261 career rebounds and 101 steals. Teammates and coaches recognized her for her indelible drive and team-first mentality. These qualities later served her well in the competitive pageant world.
Overcoming Personal Tragedy to Pursue Pageant Dreams
Harrington’s journey to the Miss New Jersey crown involved navigating significant personal challenges. In 2019, she experienced the devastating loss of her father, which dramatically changed her family dynamic.
“Our family dynamic changed drastically after my dad died. And trying to navigate the world during a global pandemic while grieving made it that much harder,” Harrington explained to NJ Advance Media. Just months after this loss, she found inspiration when she watched two young Black women win major pageant titles in Washington, sparking her own pageant ambitions.
Perseverance Through Pageant Setbacks
Harrington began competing in pageants in 2021 but faced several setbacks before claiming the 2025 crown. Her journey highlights the mental toughness required in pageantry competition.
“The pageant world is such a niche space to be in. You have to be mentally tough to open yourself up to be critiqued and judged,” Harrington said. “It can leave you very vulnerable and question things about yourself that you would never have thought of.” Nevertheless, her perseverance ultimately led to victory.
Mentoring Young Women Through “Most Valuable Pivot”
Beyond her athletic and pageant achievements, Harrington now works as a social media manager for the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District. More importantly, she leads a mentorship program called MVP (Most Valuable Pivot) focused on guiding young women in sports.
“Whether it be on the local, collegiate, or professional level, I want to teach female athletes to become the architects of their identity outside their athletic jersey,” Harrington explained. Through workshops, she helps young women develop skills and confidence beyond their athletic abilities.
Community Pride and Support for Neptune High Alumna
Harrington’s former Neptune High School principal, Tom Decker, expressed immense pride in her accomplishments. “It is so great to see an alum of Neptune High School representing the state of New Jersey,” he stated enthusiastically.
“Ivy is and has always been a great role model for others, and I know she will serve as an inspiration for those to chase their dreams,” Decker added. “We are so proud to say that Ivy is a member of Flier Nation!” This community support demonstrates Harrington’s lasting impact on her hometown.
Preparing for National Spotlight at Miss USA
As Harrington prepares for the Miss USA pageant, she carries the potential to become the US representative at the Miss Universe competition should she win. The Neptune Township native stands 5’7″ and brings both athletic discipline and pageant experience to the national stage.
Her journey from Morgan State basketball courts to the Miss New Jersey crown exemplifies how transferable skills—determination, poise, and mental toughness—can lead to success across different fields. Harrington now focuses on representing New Jersey with the same excellence she demonstrated throughout her basketball career.
