Kennedi Yates, Edmond Thunder Girl 

When Kennedi Yates sat down to share her story, it might have been the first time she had sat down in weeks. Earning a degree, teaching dance, nannying, and fulfilling the duties of an Oklahoma City Thunder Girl doesn’t leave a lot of time for sitting. But she’s in it for every fast-paced second. 

If you see her on your TV screen, around the metro, or on the floor of the Paycom Center giving it her all, you’re witnessing the fruition of a dream that started with a toddler in a tutu. 

“I grew up doing mostly ballet styles, but when I was about 16, I discovered hip hop and mom and I realized there was a whole other side to dance that I’d never seen.” Her exploration continued after high school when she moved to California to train at a prestigious dance center called “The Space.” 

“I was there forty hours a week,” she said. “I learned so much there, and am grateful for the experience but it wasn’t where I wanted to stay.” So she left the intensely competitive environment and returned home to Edmond. 

“When I came home, I felt like dance might be off the table for me.” But when a friend connected Kennedi with a Thunder Girl, she realized that was not the case. “I decided to attend a prep class just to see what it was all about. When I walked into the room I thought, ‘I have to be a part of this team.’ The environment just ignited something in me.” 

After making it through the strenuous audition process – prep-class, prelims, interviews, and all – Kennedi became a Thunder Girl. “It’s something I never thought I’d be doing. As a little girl, I never thought I’d someday dance for an NBA team. I feel like God really opened up this opportunity for me.” 

Now entering her second season, she is anything but complacent. “I always want to stay in a state of growth,” she said. “So even though I’m on the team, I’m still looking to improve, to strengthen not only my dancing but also my leadership.” 

She has ample opportunity to do so, with four weekly practices and a calendar full of community appearances and, of course, games. Kennedi says the games are exhilarating, but her favorite part is the people. “It’s about connecting with people from all walks of life. You hear everyone’s stories and I love that part of the job.” 

While she and her teammates aim to be positive, inspiring role models to the children who look up to them, Kennedi says there is plenty of inspiration internally, as well. “There’s sometimes that perception that cheerleaders or dancers are the ‘mean girls,’ but that couldn’t be farther from the truth,” she said. 

“When I walk into practice I am surrounded by incredible women— not just dancers—who lift me up, encourage me, and make every day better. They are some of the most intelligent, uplifting people I’ve ever met and I believe they’ll be lifelong friends.” 

Catch Kennedi courtside this season or on Instagram @kkyatesdance. 

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