The game has just modified for young women in sports.

adidas Basketball is investing its money – and its name – in the event of young Black female athletes, making a mark first-ever highschool partnership NIL (name, image and likeness) with sophomore sensation Kaleena Smith.

The announcement is a strong 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 to the way we connect with the best players in the game and support them in their pursuit of excellence on and off the field,” Parker shared within the announcement.

Smith’s resume speaks volumes about why she was chosen to participate on this groundbreaking opportunity. As a top prospect within the 2027 class, she is already making a splash within the basketball world. The Ontario Christian High School standout was named the 2023-2024 Girls Basketball MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year, demonstrating her exceptional talent early in her highschool profession.

But it isn’t nearly her performance on the court. As one among only two freshman captains on Overtime Select last season, Smith demonstrated leadership beyond her years, leading her team in points, assists and steals all of the technique to the championship game. She also earned a coveted spot on the 2024 U.S. Women’s Under-17 National Team, further cementing her status as one among basketball’s most promising young talents.

Since NIL offerings became available to student-athletes, these lucrative partnerships have been largely dominated by college and skilled athletes. adidas Basketball intends to finish by highlighting the abilities of young women. This partnership is greater than just a brand play; it’s a commitment to level the playing field early in the sport and position young women, especially Black women, for a future where they’re celebrated on and off the sector.

Smith joins a formidable list of adidas women’s basketball partners, including WNBA stars Chelsea Gray, Kahleah Copper, Aliyah Boston and Nneka Ogwumike, amongst others. This sisterhood of remarkable athletes represents the brand’s commitment to supporting women’s basketball at every level.

“I’m blessed to be a part of something Candace is creating,” Smith stated, confirming the importance of the moment. Her excitement concerning the collaboration, including the chance to wear Harden sneakers this season, reflects the real enthusiasm of a young athlete able to make her mark in the game.

In a landscape where Black female athletes proceed to struggle for visibility and opportunity, this move by Adidas stands out. The sportswear giant’s decision to support a young Black female athlete reflects its commitment to equality and representation, showing that it is time for young women to profit from the identical highlight often reserved for their male counterparts.

Parker’s vision for the longer term of ladies’s basketball is evident on this strategic move. “When I think about the future of women’s basketball, it is clear that it is in good hands thanks to basketball players like Kaleena,” she said, emphasizing the mixture of excellence on the court and dedication off the court.

Grammy-nominated artist Doechii returned to her former place at ul Howard W. Blake High Schoolher alma mater, where she performed on stage at a homecoming ceremony that inspired a brand new generation of artists. The Tampa-born star began her musical journey as a young girl, honing her skills in her school choir. Little did she know that her passion for music would lead her to international fame.

During her visit, Doechii interacted with students participating in the college’s choir program. She shared words of wisdom and discussed the importance of exertions, sacrifice and staying true to yourself.

“It was a beautiful moment for me, reconnecting with my old teachers/staff and walking around the old campus was very grounding for me,” Doechii exclusively says.

Since bursting onto the scene along with her hit single “What It Is (Block Boy),” Doechii has quickly grow to be one of the exciting recent artists in hip-hop.

The highlight of the visit was an issue and answer session, during which students had the chance to ask Doechii about her music, her path to success and her plans for the longer term. She shared her experiences and gave advice on pursuing a profession in music, in addition to the importance of exertions, dedication and being true to yourself.

In a conversation with the scholars, Doechii said that she saw “so much of herself” in them and emphasized that she wanted to give something back to them and encourage them as they progressed of their careers. She expressed deep gratitude to Howard W. Blake High School, saying, “Blake High School has played a huge role in what I have been able to accomplish so far.”

Her latest mixtape only cemented her repute as a rising star, garnering critical acclaim and 4 Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist – an achievement that comes as no surprise.

Doechii left the scholars of Blake High with a reminder that dreams are close by for those willing to work hard and stay true to their vision. Her journey from her school choir program to a Grammy nomination is proof of the ability of passion. For Doechia, returning to her alma mater was not only a way to give back, but additionally to remember the roots that shaped her.

“This was just the first step because as my career progresses, I want to give back and inspire them as much as I can. I’m so grateful my mom signed me up there and I can’t wait to continue making them proud!”

Adi Oasis not only is it making a splash on the funk and R&B music scene. The singer performed, amongst others, KAMAUU’s hit “MANGO”, creates a wave of admiration with his distinctive, soulful sound and magnetic stage presence.

Regardless of whether she recently appeared in your channel – or on stage in… hotel bathrobe or her star KOLORYxSTUDIOS performance – the French-born Caribbean-born singer and bassist has been performing for over a decade.

As a brand new mom navigating motherhood while touring Brazil, Adi assures that self-care is non-negotiable and her beauty treatments are essential to make sure her confidence on stage.

Adi’s pre-show preparation begins with an intensive morning program specializing in hydration, nutrition and rest. “I stay hydrated, eat a well-balanced breakfast and get as much sleep as possible,” she says. While the latter is usually a challenge on the road as a brand new mom, she starts her day with a mild cleansing in the shower after which applying Derma-E Serum with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to maintain the skin brilliant and moisturized. The most vital part of her routine is moisturizing her face with oil. “I take advantage of it IN GROOV Every Mood facial oil it also hybrids as a cleansing oil that I can use to remove makeup after a show. The scent and texture are perfect, and in the morning I feel like I’m in a mini spa.”

Before applying makeup for the show, Adi sometimes refreshes her skin with one other cleanse and application of facial oil, so “my skin stays vibrant and dewy all night long,” she says.

When it involves makeup, adopting a “less is more” philosophy is an ode to her minimalist French roots. “I generally don’t follow makeup trends; I walk quite casually,” explains Adi, who considers Grace Jones to be her greatest muse of style and beauty. The first step in her makeup routine: Eyebrows! “I like them in a particular way and I am unable to live without eyebrow pencil,” she says.

Her favorite place is MAC eyebrow pencil in Spikedthat he collects during his travels. Because skincare is a vital part of her every day routine, whether she’s traveling or at home in Brooklyn — she opts for a skinny layer MAC Studio Fix liquid foundation just to enhance its appearance after which uses it Bronzer Mineralize Skinfinish by MAC in “Gold Deposit” for a warm glow. To come full circle, she applies a fairly, semi-daring lip, and recently discovered a berry-brown lip color called L’Avenue by MERIT It became “a staple in my kit,” he says.

Balancing self-care with motherhood and touring is usually a difficult task. Adi used to meditate every morning, but now that she has a baby, it’s harder for her. Instead, sneaking briefly training sessions when possible was a self-care practice. “When I’m on the road, I still find time for calisthenics training,” she says, noting that even training in a hotel gives her energy.

Adi also often does things like having a shower in the dark, all to be sure the baby sleeps. “Sometimes I accidentally use body shampoo to avoid waking up,” she says. “But hey, cleanliness was a comfort,” he laughs. Even though her priorities modified, her superpower was learning to adapt to latest expectations. “As long as my baby and I are in good health, the rest is just a bonus.”

With her glowing skin and soulful sound, she is undoubtedly an independent artist value watching. Next, Adi says she dreams of sharing the stage with artists like HER, whose work resonates deeply with hers. Until then, for those who’re in Brazil, you could find her live at Attention Blu in Rio De Janeiro on November 15 and Factory Down Everyday people in Sao Paulo on November 16.