OKC 8th grader earns spot in NBA Math Hoops Global Championship
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — An Oklahoma City 8th grader is one of 24 students from all around the world heading to the NBA Draft.
It's not for basketball though, these students are competing in the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship.
Kylie Smith is representing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the championship.
For her this is more than just a game, it's a breakthrough.
"I never joined math or anything because I really struggled with math because I have an IEP, which I learn different," said Smith.
Her teacher suggested trying NBA Math Hoops, which is a game using real player stats, quick thinking and basic math skills to replicate a basketball game. Once Kylie started playing, something clicked.
"My math improved so much. I played against my mom and she's a big math person and just from me playing the game and us strategizing, it was very good and she told me she was my biggest supporter and I beat her, so I was so shocked and I was like my math had got better," said Smith.
Now Kylie is packing her bags for New York City, where she will compete in the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship.
"That is where we fly 24 students including a guardian to New York City for about three days of different activations. We do get to take them to the NBA draft, but she will be competing with a teammate against students from all over the world," said Hunter Strickland, senior regional outreach coordinator, Learn Fresh.
While Kylie is hoping to bring home a victory, she says the biggest win has already happened, she found a love for math.
"Because you learn different doesn't mean you can't follow your dreams or you think you can't be here like I am right now," said Smith.
The program has impacted many students just like Kylie across the world.
"We've reached over 1.2 million students since we launched, so the program has been pretty robust in its overall size and we work with about 300,000 students," said Nick Monzi, CEO and co-founder, Learn Fresh.
Learn Fresh also has similar programs, but with other sports, working with the Major League Baseball Players Association and Major League Soccer.
The NBA Math Hoops Championship will be in NYC from June 24-27.
Throughout the event, students will also have the chance to attend the NBA Draft and explore NYC landmarks.