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 . 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. .