16-Year-Old Kaleena Smith Becomes First Girls HS Basketball Player to Sign With Adidas
Last Updated on November 14, 2024
In a groundbreaking move that highlights Adidas’ commitment to advancing women’s sports, the brand has signed high school basketball sensation Kaleena Smith, making her its first women’s high school basketball partner.
This historic multi-year deal marks a pivotal moment as Smith, a five-star women’s basketball prospect, joins the Adidas roster at only 16 years old. This partnership not only showcases the brand’s investment in young female athletes but also solidifies its leadership in championing women’s sports through NIL opportunities.
Smith’s signing is especially significant as it’s the first move made by Candace Parker in her new role as President of Adidas Women’s Basketball. Parker, an iconic legend in the sport, sees Smith as a perfect fit for Adidas’ long-term vision to grow women’s basketball and inspire the next generation.
“If you watch her play, her game speaks for itself,” Parker said of the Perris, Ca. native. “As a brand, we felt like this was a perfect fit.”
Reflecting on her approach to the role, Parker added, “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. Signing Kaleena as our first high school NIL women’s basketball athlete is a pivotal moment for us as we lead in championing women’s sports and building greater access to and representation in the game that we all love.”
“I embrace any opportunity to challenge myself and improve my game, and I believe that’s what has fostered the confidence and skill I have on the court,” Smith said. “I’m blessed to be part of something Candace is creating, and to get to do that with a brand like Adidas who is taking a different approach to play a role to help grow the game for players like me. Plus, I’m really excited to get to rock the Harden sneakers this season.”
Smith, a high school sophomore and the nation’s top-ranked women’s basketball recruit for the Class of 2027, is already recognized as one of the most promising young talents. A leader on both her teams, Ontario Christian High School and Overtime Select Squad, Smith’s accolades include being named to the 2023-24 Girls Basketball MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year and competing with the USA Women’s U17 National Team. Her talent and dedication have already set her on a path to greatness, with coaches and teammates anticipating her success at the collegiate level and beyond.
“Arguably the nation’s premier player in the rising sophomore class, Kaleena Smith got off to a fast start at the USA Basketball 17-and-Under Trials and never looked back,” said Brandon Clay, 247Sports’ Director of Scouting. “Her ability to score has never been in question, but Smith showed that her court vision is a major strength during the trials. There were multiple passes that Smith was able to fit through tight windows, hitting teammates in stride for layups. She had the feel of a player who could make this roster as a true lead guard, and she proceeded to do just that.”
Adidas will extend its support beyond Smith as part of the deal by sponsoring her high school and AAU teams, which will join the Adidas 3SSB Circuit. This team sponsorship underscores Adidas’ commitment to empowering young women athletes by providing resources that amplify their potential both on and off the court.
