Dream Wired
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Celebrity
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • TV
  • Music
  • Comics
  • Shop
  • Home
  • Celebrity
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • TV
  • Music
  • Comics
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Dream Wired
No Result
View All Result
Home Celebrity

Adidas Charts New Future For Women’s Basketball By Signing Rising Star Kaleena Smith As First High School NIL Athlete – Essence

rmtsa by rmtsa
November 14, 2024
in Celebrity
0
Adidas Charts New Future For Women’s Basketball By Signing Rising Star Kaleena Smith As First High School NIL Athlete – Essence
74
SHARES
1.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


You might also like

13 Black Barbies You Should Add To Your Collection

Yvonne Orji Talks Prime Video’s ‘The Chosen Adventures’, Says

8th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television – Essence

The game just changed for young women in sports. 

adidas Basketball is putting its money—and its name—behind a young Black woman athlete, marking their first-ever high school NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) partnership with sophomore sensation Kaleena Smith. 

The announcement comes as a powerful statement under the leadership of WNBA legend Candace Parker, who serves as President of adidas Women’s Basketball. “When I started in my role, I wanted to take an innovative approach in how we connect with the best players in the game and empower them in their pursuit of excellence on and off the court,” Parker shared in the announcement.

Smith’s resume speaks volumes about why she was chosen for this groundbreaking opportunity. As the top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2027, she’s already making waves in the basketball world. The Ontario Christian High School standout earned the 2023-2024 Girls Basketball MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year title, showcasing her exceptional talent early in her high school career.

But it’s not just about her performance on the court. As one of only two freshman captains in Overtime Select last season, Smith demonstrated leadership beyond her years, leading her team in points, assists, and steals all the way to the championship game. She’s also earned a coveted spot on the 2024 USA Women’s U17 National Team, further cementing her status as one of basketball’s most promising young talents.

Since NIL deals became available to student-athletes, these lucrative partnerships have largely been dominated by college and pro male players. adidas Basketball is aiming to close by turning the spotlight on young women’s talent. This partnership is more than just a brand play; it’s a commitment to leveling the playing field early on, positioning young women, especially Black women, for a future where they’re celebrated on and off the court.

Smith joins an impressive roster of adidas women’s basketball partners, including WNBA stars Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Aliyah Boston, and Nneka Ogwumike, among others. This sisterhood of exceptional athletes represents the brand’s dedication to supporting women’s basketball at every level.

“I’m blessed to be part of something Candace is creating,” Smith expressed, acknowledging the significance of this moment. Her excitement about the partnership, including the opportunity to wear Harden sneakers this season, reflects the authentic enthusiasm of a young athlete ready to make her mark on the sport.

In a landscape where Black female athletes are still battling for visibility and opportunities, this move by adidas stands out. The sportswear giant’s decision to back a young Black woman athlete reflects their dedication to equity and representation, showing that it’s time for young women to benefit from the same spotlight often reserved for their male counterparts.

Parker’s vision for the future of women’s basketball is clear in this strategic move. “When I think about the future of women’s basketball, it’s clear it’s in good hands with hoopers like Kaleena,” she stated, emphasizing Smith’s combination of on-court excellence and off-court dedication.



Source link

Tags: AdidasAthleteBasketballchartsEssenceFutureHighKaleenaNILRisingSchoolSIGNINGSmithstarWomens
Share30Tweet19
rmtsa

rmtsa

Recommended For You

13 Black Barbies You Should Add To Your Collection

by rmtsa
October 23, 2025
0
13 Black Barbies You Should Add To Your Collection

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Debbie Allen has officially joined the ranks of legends immortalized in Barbie’s Tribute Collection. From Allen to Aaliyah, check out 14 iconic Black...

Read more

Yvonne Orji Talks Prime Video’s ‘The Chosen Adventures’, Says

by rmtsa
October 23, 2025
0
Yvonne Orji Talks Prime Video’s ‘The Chosen Adventures’, Says

When faith meets funny, Yvonne Orji always finds a way to make it fly. The Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, and author brings her bold humor and belief into the...

Read more

8th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television – Essence

by rmtsa
October 23, 2025
0
8th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television – Essence

Regina Hall, Spike Lee, and Teyana Taylor. The Critics Choice Association’s 8th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television will return to Los Angeles on December 9, 2025,...

Read more

Misty Copeland’s Top ABT Performances

by rmtsa
October 22, 2025
0
Misty Copeland’s Top ABT Performances

Variety Misty Copeland will dazzle onstage for one last dance, set for Oct. 22, when she graces the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) for her final performance before retiring...

Read more

Lauren Speed & Cameron Hamilton Welcome Son

by rmtsa
October 22, 2025
0
Lauren Speed & Cameron Hamilton Welcome Son

Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty Lauren Speed-Hamilton and Cameron Hamilton, beloved alums from the first season of Love Is Blind, have officially entered parenthood! The couple, who met...

Read more
Next Post
“Full of Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing”

“Full of Sound and Fury, Signifying Nothing”

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Browse by Category

  • Celebrity
  • Comics
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • Music
  • TV
  • Uncategorized

CATEGORIES

  • Celebrity
  • Comics
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • Music
  • TV
  • Uncategorized
No Result
View All Result

Recent News

  • Her Health – Hollywood Life
  • Shonen Jump Cancels Another Series This Month, Even Before a Volume Release
  • Edie Falco Previews ‘Powerful’ Mayor of Kingstown Season 4 Character (Excl)

Copyright © 2023 DramaWired.
DramaWired is a content aggregator and not responsible for the content of external sites.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Celebrity
  • DramaAlert
  • Gossip
  • Movie
  • TV
  • Music
  • Comics
  • Shop

Copyright © 2023 DramaWired.
DramaWired is a content aggregator and not responsible for the content of external sites.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In