In the realm of high school basketball, Kiyomi McMiller stands as a trailblazer and a testament to unparalleled talent. Recently, she made history by becoming the first high school basketball player to secure a coveted sponsorship with Jordan Brand. Renowned as one of the country’s premier female basketball athletes, Kiyomi’s journey is an inspiring saga of skill, determination, and breaking barriers in the world of sports. In this exclusive interview, delve into the remarkable story of Kiyomi McMiller, a true icon in the making.
What inspired your passion for basketball, and how has that passion evolved over the years, propelling you to where you are today?
My parents inspired me by introducing me to the game. I saw how much they loved basketball and it made fall in love too. Over the years I begin to master my basketball skills with the help of my parents. Constant training propelled me to where I’m at today. Basketball is all I know.
As the first high school NIL young CEO athlete to sign with The Jordan Brand, how do you balance the responsibilities of being an athlete, student, and CEO?
I have an amazing support system my parents and my publicist Ms Sparkle Callahan handles all of my business needs. My siblings always make sure I schedule family time. I love spending time with my family. The student, the athlete and the CEO all need the same amount of time, balance is key.
Your style of play in women’s basketball is described as versatile and innovative. Could you share how you’ve developed this unique approach to the game?
The way I approach the game is different than most. My versatility and innovation in women’s basketball is unique because My dad has always taught me to think out the box. What other female basketball athletes may do on the court or what people may expect them to do, I will have a whole different direction for. My grandmother also instilled in me to be as authentic as possible. On the court I’m going to do what needs to be done, I’m competing.
With a strong emphasis on both academics and athletics, how do you manage to excel in your studies while maintaining a high level of performance on the basketball court?
I’m able to excel academically and maintain my court high level performance because the game is all I ever dreamed of. My mind is made up of my goals in basketball and how my education will help me get there. It’s like a job, you report everyday. The more you report to work the better you get. I look at it like the job I will never have to quit. Basketball is what I want for the rest of my life.
Being coached by your parents must have its unique dynamics. How has their guidance shaped your character off the court?
My parents’ guidance shaped me overall off the court. I’m very approachable and humble. I don’t look down on others. I set myself apart on the court but I’m still a regular person. My parents always taught me to treat others the way I want to be treated. I’m human just like them and I have nothing to prove so there is never an ego. I don’t have to be loud for people to notice me.
Your goal to make an impact on women’s basketball is commendable. What specific steps or initiatives do you plan to take to achieve this ambitious goal?
The steps I’m taking to impact women’s basketball has already started. My style of play my dad has taught me sets me apart from many female athletes. My main position is point guard and I don’t miss. I’m a multitasker. I’m able to give whatever is need on the court even though I’m positioned as a point guard. The initiatives I will take is giving back to the youth. I would like to give back by coordinating my own camps, clinics, charity events, my own foundation, and more. I’m really just trusting the plan my parents have for me and setting the example and the source for young athletes.
Could you elaborate on the significance of education in your life and how it parallels your dedication to the sport of basketball?
I actually take school very seriously. I believe my GPA is around 3.7 and I’m trying to get that 4.0. When I get to college, I’m looking to study communications and broadcasting, as well as sports management. I know at the end of the day, you can only ball for so long, so you need to have a backup plan. If you do what you need to get done in school, you’ll have that when you’re done playing.
With numerous college offers on the table, what criteria or factors led to your decision to attend Rutgers University?
Some things that I considered is the personality of the team, the connection I have with the coaches, and if they will understand me and the kind of player that I am. There is a mutual trust between me and the coaches… I really like the campus and overall environment. I chose Rutgers because I feel it’s the best place for me, it’s more of a program and i love that most. As soon as I got to the campus, I felt like it was the right school. They are going to be in the Big Ten, which Is the best conference and I will be playing against the best competitors. I just love the school. I love the landscape and I love the feeling of home I feel when I’m there. I can’t wait to wear my uniform with the big “R”.
How do you stay grounded amidst the attention and expectations that come with being a rising star in the basketball world?
It’s funny because when I was younger, when I talked about basketball, I never really talked about how good I was. And now in teens I never really feel the need to express it. I just play the game to win. I am not the person who would go out on the court and start talking trash and yelling stuff at the crowd. It’s just not in me to be that kind of athlete. I have never been the one to be aggressive or cocky. My parents raised me to be humble and focused on winning. That’s how I approach life on and off the court. My household upbringing keeps me grounded.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave behind in women’s basketball, and how do you envision achieving this legacy?
I just want to be the best. To achieve it, I just will continue to work hard every day to reach my goal. People may think I’m crazy for it, but that’s my goal, to be the best. I want to be a dominating force on both ends of the court.
What activities do you engage in for fun outside of playing?
I really just like hanging out with my family, my brothers and sisters, my dad, and my mom. They always have my back, and I can always lean on them.
Be’n Original
