By John "Woods" Armwood III
The rising senior superstar Chloe Kitts was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She later moved to Oviedo, Florida, when beginning high school. She began getting involved in sports around the age of five. Kitts explained in great detail how when she was young her father, Jason Kitts, often handed her a basketball and showed her the game of basketball at such an early age. Naturally, being a product of one’s environment, she gravitated towards the game of basketball and ultimately was inspired by her father.
“When I was younger, my dad handed me a basketball and from what I could remember, it’s all I’ve ever known since.”
With that being said, many must understand that in order to reach the skill level that Kitts has one must be surrounded by the game of basketball daily. She admits she doesn’t have much of a social life, however, basketball is its own world within itself that allows her opportunities to do so. Through the game of basketball, Kitts has met several close friends and has gained relationships through teammates and coaches.
“Sadly, I don’t have much of a social life,” Kitts emphasized. “Basketball has become its own social life, especially, because I dedicate the majority of my time on the court.”
In fact, Kitts attends school only on Mondays and Fridays to help her prioritize basketball over everything else. Many may find this alarming, however, she’s several months ahead on her school work so it will never be an issue regarding her time on the court.
What’s Next for Chloe Kitts?
At the moment, Kitts is ranked the No. 17 player in the country, according to ESPNW. This means she can pick almost anywhere in the country to play basketball at the collegiate level. However, she’s still a rising senior and has a few more goals she wishes to complete prior to college. While already making the MaxPreps junior All-American team the one goal she seemed the most adamant about was winning a title for her high school. Kitts wishes to win the McDonald All-American award, but it’s not the end all be all for her.
“While I’d love to receive the McDonald’s All-American award it won’t outweigh any of my other accomplishments.”
Recently, she’s added University of Arizona amongst her top six schools that she’s looking to commit to. When asked, “What drew her to adding Arizona to her list,” Kitts responded:
“I’m a big family person and some of my family stay in Arizona. I’ve gained great relationships with the coaching staff. Not to mention, I also just respect their program and I’m excited to go on my visit.”
“Bigger Guard” Movement
Over the past five to six years, there’s been a shift in guard play in both women and men’s basketball. Many soon realized there are a ton of 6’6 skilled guys that can move like a natural guard. This became very attractive to coaches because it allows versatility within the lineups and adds a ton of issues for opposing teams to gameplan for them as well. Kitts sitting at 6’2 falls under this category of “bigger guard” and allows her access on the court that many players may not have. Kitts has the ability to score at will on all three levels while also being a competent defender and rim protector.
In fact, she models a lot of her game after Seattle Storm PF Breanna Stewart and Brooklyn Nets Forward Kevin Durant. While she fits the criteria and is highly regarded as one of the faces of the “bigger guard” movement she rather shows humility. Kitts explained while many recognize her that way, she’ll never call herself the face of the movement.
“While I do work on my game daily and try to be as versatile as possible, I don’t feel I am the face of the movement,” Kitts explains. “That title would have to go to Breanna Stewart or Kevin Durant. I’m not there yet, however, I hope people continue to adapt their game similar to mine.”
Kitts “Sh3GotGame Moment”
Believe it or not, Kitts didn’t truly believe she was immensely talented at basketball until just a year or so ago. She explained that many told her that prior to this moment but she personally never bought into the hype. This goes to show even some of the best people in their respective fields have self-doubt and it’s relatable. However, as she began working out with the USA team she began realizing that she’s being asked to represent her country. Not to mention, she was one of the youngest performing at the time and still made the team. Then and only then, did Kitts have her “Sh3GotGame Moment."
Kitts began believing in herself and her capabilities and it raised her production level to different heights.
“Making the USA 18 (U18) team taught me everything I needed to know. It was hands down the best competition I ever played against. When I made this team, I realized then that I was the real deal.”
During these times of self-doubt, Kitts often told herself, “Don’t Trip." It appears that Kitts often over-thinks and she has to calm herself down by telling herself her favorite saying, “Don’t Trip." This is key because in games many athletes begin to get anxious after they’ve been off to a shaky start. So, this mentality of “Don’t Trip” has helped her stay level headed and she’s applied this to all facets of her life.
Conclusion
While Kitts is extremely young, she’s got her eyes set on making her name bigger than actual basketball itself. She has high hopes one day she can give back to the game by coaching young girls and attempting to help change their lives for the better.
In conclusion, when asked was there any advice she’s willing to offer to anyone following her journey, she responded:
“Never let anyone tell you what you can’t and can do and always attempt to take control of your fate. Believe in your dreams and most importantly, never give up!”