Trae Young, the talented guard for the Atlanta Hawks, was filled with pride and joy when he witnessed the unveiling of the street sign that read “Trae Young Drive” in his hometown of Norman, Oklahoma. The city dedicated a street in his honor as a way to recognize his significant contributions to the community. The street, situated in front of the upcoming Young Family Athletic Center, stands as a symbol of Young’s achievements and the impact he has made on his hometown.
A Surreal Experience
Reflecting on the event, Young expressed his disbelief and stated, “It’s still just a whirlwind. As athletes, we dream of playing in the NBA and making big shots. Having your own street named after you is something you don’t necessarily dream about. It feels surreal, and I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet. When I see people driving on Trae Young Drive and when I have to search for it on my Apple Maps, that’s when it will truly hit me.”
Trae Young was born in Lubbock, Texas, where his father, a former basketball star at Texas Tech, hailed from. However, he spent the majority of his upbringing in Norman, Oklahoma. As a high school basketball player at Norman North High School, Young showcased his talent and was ranked 23rd in the nation on ESPN’s list of top prospects in 2017. He chose to play for the University of Oklahoma Sooners and continued to excel, leading the nation in scoring with an average of 27.4 points per game. His decision to represent Norman and Oklahoma highlighted the deep connection he felt with his hometown.
An Investment in the Community
As a way to give back to his community and provide opportunities for local youth, Trae Young invested $4 million through The Trae Young Family Foundation to build the Young Family Athletic Center. The state-of-the-art facility, spanning over 122,000 square feet, features eight basketball/volleyball courts and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Young aims to transform the center into a hub for sports tournaments, high school games, and various youth basketball, volleyball, and swimming events. The influx of visitors to these events will also stimulate the local economy, benefiting the Norman community as a whole.
A Surprise and Show of Support
During the dedication ceremony, Trae Young was pleasantly surprised to see his Atlanta Hawks teammates in attendance. Despite having a day off after a victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, his teammates made the effort to fly to Oklahoma City and show their support. They even took part in a tour of the Young Family Athletic Center, demonstrating their camaraderie and admiration for Young’s achievements. The unexpected presence of his teammates made the occasion even more special for Young.
Young spoke about the significance of playing in his home state and the excitement of returning to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder. As the Hawks prepare to take on the Thunder, Trae Young acknowledges that playing in front of a home crowd holds a special place in his heart. Being cheered on by the crowd, despite being the opposing team, is a feeling that Young cherishes. Throughout his career, he has had notable performances against the Thunder, including a remarkable 41-point game in Oklahoma City on March 30, 2022. Playing in his home state remains an unforgettable experience for Trae Young.
Trae Young’s street dedication in his hometown of Norman, Oklahoma, serves as a testament to his impact on the community and his continued commitment to giving back. The unveiling of “Trae Young Drive” signifies the remarkable achievements of one of basketball’s rising stars and the pride Norman feels for their hometown hero. Young’s investment in the Young Family Athletic Center ensures that future generations will have access to state-of-the-art sports facilities, fostering the growth and development of aspiring athletes. As Trae Young takes the court in Oklahoma City, the cheers from his home state serve as a reminder of the unwavering support and appreciation he receives from his community.
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