Bio

Taliya Heron's motivation is simple: “Family keeps me going.” That love and support push her to make the most of every opportunity on and off the court.

Taliya’s basketball journey began at J. Addison and Bond Academy, where she developed under coaches Yaw Awful and Prince “Action.” Known for her physicality and leadership, she later continued her career at Iona University before transferring to Vincennes. Her most memorable athletic moment came in her final AAU game, a performance that reminded her why she fell in love with basketball in the first place. She wears No. 11 in honor of her mother, a symbol of both gratitude and motivation.

Her season goals are straightforward but ambitious: “Do good in school and basketball, and help set good standards for the team.” She embraces every challenge with resilience and humor, guided by her favorite saying: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Her dream is to own her own business while playing professionally overseas, combining her entrepreneurial mindset with her competitive spirit.

Off the court, Taliya’s personality shines through her creativity and humor. She loves cooking and baking, describing it as her favorite way to relax. Her go-to foods are roti and fruit, and she can’t imagine a week without “food and basketball.” She loves Star as her favorite show, listens to Vybz Kartel, and names “Big Breeze” as her go-to song. Her dream car is a Porsche, though she jokes she doesn’t have one yet. When she’s not in the gym, she’s often in the kitchen or listening to music with background noise—a habit she calls her superstition.

Majoring in Business, Taliya plans to build her own brand and create a successful company that merges her love of sports and entrepreneurship. She describes herself as friendly and funny, often hearing people say she’s “so nice” when they first meet her. Her dream vacation spot is Egypt, and if she could trade places with anyone, she’d choose Winnie Harlow—a fellow Canadian who inspires her confidence and individuality.

Taliya chose Vincennes University because of the people and the program’s support, saying she felt immediately welcomed and appreciated.

Coach Johnson on Taliya...