It’s official! This morning, Under Armour proudly announces its new lineup of rookie basketball stars:
- Bella Alarie (no. 5 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft and 3X Ivy League POY)
- Kaila Charles (drafted by the Connecticut Sun and recent recipient of the Big Ten Medal of Honor)
- Tyasha “Ty” Harris (no. 7 overall pick who led South Carolina to 32-1 in senior season; new member of Dallas Wings with Bella)
Under Armour continues to run its play. With a mission to help all athletes get better, UA remains committed as ever to its relentless pursuit of product innovation and empowering the next generation of female athletes. Today, Under Armour is proud to introduce its new lineup of rookie basketball superstars who are eager to return to the court and shake up the game for fans worldwide.
They are the latest class of young athletes to join Team UA, and part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to empower the next generation of female athletes and equip them with the latest product innovations. As part of the multi-year deals, Bella, Kaila and Ty will step onto the hardwood this season in the upcoming UA HOVR Breakthru, Under Armour’s first basketball performance footwear designed for female athletes and featuring a women’s last.
There are some fun points of connectivity here as Bella and Ty are not only new teammates (via the Wings and UA), but played together a few times via USA Basketball. Ty and Kaila are especially familiar with the brand, having played at South Carolina and Maryland, respectively – two UA partner schools.
“We could not be more excited for Bella, Kaila and Ty to join us at Under Armour,” said Brianna Colón, Under Armour Basketball Global Marketing Lead. “These women embody our Under Armour values and they deserve our unwavering support. Fans should expect to see these fierce competitors make immediate impacts with their new squads on-court. After all, they have a track record of making history and we can’t wait to see what they do next.”
After all, they have a track record of making history and we can’t wait to see what they do next.”
Bella Alarie (above) made her mark as one of the Ivy League’s all-time best. In 2019, the three-time conference “Player of the Year” led the Tigers to a 26-1 record punctuated by a 22-game winning streak. Versatile on both ends of the floor, she averaged 16.1 points, 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game while at Princeton. And, for her phenomenal efforts, she was selected No. 5 in this year’s WNBA Draft.“I grew up playing and training in Bethesda, so Under Armour really felt like my next-door neighbor. I’ve watched the brand up its game over time, just like I’ve been working on mine. Knowing that we’ve matured together, I’m especially proud to be joining the Under Armour Family and help grow the game for women all over the world.”- Bella Alarie
During her time at University of Maryland, Kaila Charles (above) earned countless conference and national recognitions for her athletic and scholastic achievements. This includes the Big Ten Medal of Honor, an award given to one graduating student who has attained proficiency in both areas. Recently, she was also named the Maryland Female Student Athlete of the Year after leading her squad in scoring and rebounding. The Terps would finish the year on a 17-game winning streak and a no. 4 national ranking.“This is my shot to represent Under Armour in a brand-new way for women ballers everywhere. I feel like I’m making history in a year where everything is being watched more closely because of the unprecedented challenges we’re all facing. Myself and Under Armour represent the same values and drive, and I’m proud to apply those to my life on and off the court.”- Kaila Charles
The Dallas Wings landed Ty Harris (above) at no.7 in the draft, a pass-first point guard that steadily increased her scoring each season. She finished her senior season with 12 points per game to go alongside an impressive 5.7 assists, a team record of 32-1 and a no. 1 ranking. When it was all said and done, Ty graduated the University of South Carolina with 1,000 points and 700 assists, a 118-22 record, a national championship, All-American status, the respect of her peers, and more fans than ever.“My time at South Carolina played a big part in me becoming the player that I am today and, because of my time there, Under Armour has been with me since freshman year. When they asked me to join the Family, I had to say ‘yes.’ I’m proud to sport Under Armour officially on and off the court, it feels like I’ve been doing it forever. It’s time for me to show the world what it means to ‘Finish Your Breakfast,’ because when you rise and grind, anything you start, you finish.”- Tyasha “Ty” Harris
Bella, Ty and Kaila were all primed to capstone impressive senior campaigns with runs in last spring’s NCAA tournament. Now, they’re stepping into debut professional seasons that will be nothing short of unique and history-making.
“We’ve got big plans for Bella, Ty and Kaila and are taking their positions as ambassadors within the sport seriously,” stated Trey Evans, Director of Basketball Partnerships and Operations at Under Armour. “They’re our eyes, ears and hearts—on and off the court—when it comes to everything from product innovation, being key figures in our global brand campaigns, and seasonal moments on the basketball calendar. We’re counting on them to lead us into the future of the sport.”
The trio is in good company, with Under Armour’s roster including professional stock car racing driver Hailie Deegan, Heptathlon Champion Georgia Ellenwood, World Champion track and field sprinter Natasha Hastings, World Champion taekwondo athlete Jade Jones, performance coach Monica Jones, cycling instructor Emma Lovewell, World Cup champion soccer player Kelley O’Hara, Jamaican steeplechaser Aisha Praught-Leer, standout volleyball star Jordan Thompson, China’s volleyball phenom Zhu Ting, and World Champion skier Lindsey Vonn.
While recognizing the challenges ahead during these unprecedented times, the only way is through for Bella, Ty, and Kaila, and Under Armour will be with them to inspire and help overcome the unexpected.
