The 24-year-old, from Pickerington, Ohio, played SEABL with Albury-Wodonga last season but joins the Torns after flying back from the US where she has visited her mother who is battling cancer.

Harmon has dedicated her 2015 season to her mum Martha and intends to take part in the Relay For Life in Launceston on March 22-23 in her honour.

"Mum was diagnosed with melanoma a few months ago when I got home from Albury which she is working through and a few days ago was also diagnosed with breast cancer," she said.

"I had to decide whether I stayed home to look after my mum or go do what I love to do and she kind of pushed me to follow my dreams so I'm dedicating my season to her because if she can be so strong to keep fighting that and battling then I can too."

A post and No.4 player, Harmon played four years of US college basketball with Ohio State University before heading for a season in Ireland and then on to Australia.

"I had a decision to make about where I wanted to go next and what steps I needed to take," Harmon said.

"I heard great things about the (Tornadoes) program and talked to new coach (Rhys) Potter and he mapped out a plan that fitted the things I was looking for and the atmosphere around here is exciting to be around.

"I'm looking forward to it and I am hoping I can bring whatever it is we need to be successful - I like to work and play hard and I'm a passionate player and teamwork is very important to me and creating an atmosphere of success."

Harmon grew up playing throughout high school with the Tornadoes other US recruit in Mikaela Ruef, who arrives later this month, and is looking forward to renewing their friendship and playing together again.

"We complement each other well on the court but at the same time it will be good during training because we will push each other and make each other better.

"We both bring different dimensions and obviously we're both tall around the post but are versatile as well."