Women’s History Month Spotlight – Taiyonni Hill Uses Mamba Mentality to Earn Prestigious NBA Summer Internship

Fisk Athletics takes a deep dive into the lives of some of the women that impacts the university.

Fisk Athletics showcase of Cheer Squad Co-Captain Taiyonni Hill during National Women's History Month.

March 10, 2025

NASHVILLE (March 3, 2025) – Fisk University is internationally renowned for its academic excellence, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, and more recently, as the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to establish a gymnastics program. Over the years, several significant events and distinguished alumni have left their mark on its revered campus in North Nashville.

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Vice President Kamala Harris have all delivered speeches at Fisk University. Among its notable alumni are W.E.B. Du Bois, Nikki Giovanni, Congressman John Lewis, Ida B. Wells, and recent graduate Skye Faucher, who was named Miss Saint Lucia and is competing for Miss Universe.

Senior Taiyonni Hill recognizes the tradition and values being a Fiskite. She followed her sisters, Tekimbria Allen and Trinity Hill, to Fisk and became an ambassador for the university. Recently, she interned with the Los Angeles Lakers.

"It started when I saw that the NBA-HBCU Fellowship had opportunities for the position," said Hill. "I was a little nervous to apply because I felt it would be competitive. I thought about and went on and applied, because in situations like this, the only one that stopping you is you. After two interviews, I was given the internships. Everyone was so proud of me."

This year, she has taken on another role on campus, big sister to her little brother Tahj Hill. Something she takes pride.

"My sisters were on me when I first came to Fisk. They made sure that I was awake on time to make it to class, that I studied and kept me out of harm's way. I am taking what I learned from them and giving that to my brother. He is such a great young man. I can't wait to see how he turns out."

Mamba Mentality

Hill grew up in Chicago, but her family supports the Lakers and admired Kobe Bryant. Working for the Lakers was a dream come true for her. Due to her prankster nature, her family initially thought she was joking about the job. She credits Bryant's "Mamba Mentality" for helping her overcome shyness and achieve success.

"People don't know this about me, but I am shy. I have overcome that, but I still have situations when I give myself a pep talk. My family has been a great support for me. I wouldn't be who I am without them."

Hill majors in Psychology and applies her learning to everything she does. Whether cheerleading, interning with the Fisk Marketing team, or walking on campus, she embraces her role as a leader with pride.

During the 2023-24 basketball season, Hill demonstrated her leadership by rallying some cheer mates to support the men's team at an away game in Clarksville, Tennessee. They drove 45 minutes and bought tickets to show their support, which was greatly appreciated by the team.

"If someone is doing something at Fisk, I feel like it is my duty to show support. Our teams work hard, and we wanted to show them that we have their back. Not just my cheer mates but some others came as well. We had a good time, and it set the tone for the rest of the season."

LA LOVE

During her internship, she met Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and other notable figures. Despite being impressed, she maintained professionalism to complete her tasks. She attended meetings and observed Laker executives making critical team decisions. Doors were opened for Hill, and she was able to displace her notably efficient communication skills.

"On behalf of the NBA Foundation I have received a reward for exceptional leadership and best speech. I got the chance to give my words of wisdom to everyone at our gala for the third cohort of the NBA HBCU Fellowship. Over the years I had to work through me being shy. This gave me the confidence to know that I am welcomed in any room."

Change Is Good

Hill is no longer shy. She is reliable to her brother, cheer mates, students, and even the administration for tasks. Recently, she chose and wore the Bulldog mascot outfit for a Nashville Mayor's Office commercial. The next day, she joined other Fisk athletes at an event at John Early Middle School. Hill understands she has grown since starting at Fisk. When she isn't cheerleading at games, it isn't strange to see her at the scorer's table trying to learn the ends and outs of game management from Fisk director of sports information Scott Wallace.

Hill's newly developed communication skills led her to a golf course in California, where she met Dr. Theresa Price, who is associated with the Black College Expo. Through their discussions and networking, Dr. Price assisted Hill by paying off her summer balance, ensuring that she was financially cleared for the 2024-25 academic year.

What's Ahead?

Earlier this month, Hill and her cheer mates won the Inaugural Traditional Cheer competition during the HBCU Athletic Conference's Cheer & Dance Showcase. With graduation weeks away, Hill is ready to venture into the world. Next stop: Law School. Tahj's presence at Fisk gives her a reason to return from time to time. Something she doesn't mind doing.

"My little brother means the world to me so I will be back to check on him. We have a legacy here. Fisk University is truly in my blood."