Zaila Avant-garde is a remarkable American teenager celebrated for her multifaceted talents in spelling, basketball, and writing. She gained national prominence in 2021 by becoming the first African-American contestant to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee, clinching the title with the word “murraya.” This historic victory made her the second Black winner overall, following Jamaica’s Jody-Anne Maxwell in 1998 .
Basketball and Guinness World Records
Beyond her spelling achievements, Zaila is an accomplished basketball player and Guinness World Record holder. She holds records for:
- Most bounce juggles in one minute with four basketballs (255).
- Most basketballs dribbled simultaneously by one person (six).
Her passion for basketball is profound; she has stated, “Basketball is what I do. Spelling is really a side thing I do.”
Author and Advocate
Zaila is also a New York Times bestselling author. Her works include:
- It’s Not Bragging If It’s True, an inspiring collection of personal stories and advice for young readers.
- Words of Wonder from Z to A, a picture book highlighting motivational words and their meanings .
Through her writing and public appearances, she advocates for education and encourages young people, especially girls of color, to pursue their dreams.
Honors and Media Appearances
Zaila’s accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades:
- Named SportsKid of the Year 2021 by Sports Illustrated Kids.
- Recipient of the Stan Musial Award for Extraordinary Character, recognizing her poise and perseverance .
She has also appeared in media campaigns for brands like Xbox and Gymshark, and made a cameo in Netflix’s film Hustle .
Connect with Zaila
To follow Zaila’s ongoing journey and initiatives, you can connect with her on social media:
- Instagram: @zailaavantgardeInstagram
- X (formerly Twitter): @ZailaAvantgardeX (formerly Twitter)
