University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
In Her Own Words: River Hart
12/20/2019 9:00:00 AM | Tennis
River Hart knows what it's like to be different. Growing up, she lived in three different countries and traveled to 30 others. No matter where she went, one thing remained constant; her love for tennis. Hart is also the daughter of famous musician, Corey Hart. Who, at the height of his career, gave it up to raise Hart and her siblings. Her parents wanted to give her every opportunity to succeed. That's when she found herself calling Minnesota another home; a place to continue her tennis career and pursue an education. The Business and Marketing Education major's experiences traveling made her the person she is today. She is excited to see where the rest of her time at Minnesota takes her.
Here is River Hart, in her own words.
Growing up, I definitely didn't have the typical childhood. Although I never attended a prom, a homecoming game, or even a proper graduation, I wouldn't change a thing. I was born and raised in the Bahamas with my family by my side. I started playing tennis at the age of three and it changed my life. Both of my sisters played as well and everything my parents did was geared towards giving us the best opportunity to succeed in our passions.
We moved to Boca Raton, Florida for two years when I was seven, and eventually to Barcelona, Spain for four years when I was nine. I then moved to Naples, Florida for another four years to finish high school and train at a tennis academy. As you can see, tennis and traveling went hand in hand for me. I was able to go to many places because of tennis. By the time I was 19, I had visited about 30 different countries. It is hard to put into words what those experiences have provided me, but I am blessed to have learned so much about different cultures, societies, customs, and even speak fluent Spanish.
Traveling is where my passion for food stems from. It has given me a deep respect and appreciation for what every country has to offer and I became fascinated with different types of cuisines. It is a universal love that every person, no matter where they come from or what language they speak, can enjoy and I hope to have a career in the food industry some day.
All of these opportunities were only possible because of my parents and the sacrifices and love they invested in me and my siblings. Most people wouldn't know this, but my dad was at the height of his musical career when he decided to leave it all behind to raise our family with my mom on the remote islands of the Bahamas. Growing up, he never bragged or showed off about his success so I really only saw him as my dad and not the sensation people viewed him as. He is the most humble and giving person I have ever met and I would not be the person I am today if it weren't for him and the life lessons he has taught me. To this day, my dad is my best friend and role model in every aspect of life. He has been there for me in every bright moment and every hardship I have ever encountered.
It is so weird for me to answer the question "what it is like to have a famous dad?," because I honestly don't view him as a famous person. I don't even mention that part of my life to people unless they bring it up. I am extremely proud of him for his achievements, but he is so much more than that to me. Being at the University of Minnesota has only solidified the morals he has instilled in me and I can't wait to see where the next two years of my journey here take me.