Youth Voices Rising: What My Teammates Want Adults to Hear About Growing Up in Kanawha County

By Jayli Phillips

This story is part of Youth Voices Rising, a Black By God narrative-change project supported by The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation.

I’m excited to share that we are the 2026 Kanawha County girls basketball middle school champions. Our undefeated season was a perfect way to finish middle school. 

I invited a couple of  my teammates Ka’Mylle Barrett, Zoey Gray and Averi Davis to talk about our season on Teen Talk during Black By God’s 24-hour Podcast-a-thon. We wore matching outfits to represent South Charleston Middle School. When I asked what they’d always remember about the team, Averi picked our coaches. Zoey remembered how much fun we had in the locker room at practice. And I remember our parents livestreaming games, starting chants and yelling our names. 

Growing up in Kanawha County

I wanted to know what my teammates liked about growing up here and what they wished were different. Averi, picked Multifest as one of the best parts. Zoey said you can go just about anywhere and run into somebody you know. Ka’Mylle had to adjust to a smaller community when she moved here from Georgia, but she said that no matter how small a place is, “it’s filled with love everywhere.”

I told them one of the hardest parts for me is how little there is to do for our age group. Ka’Mylle said she’d like to see more social events. She also talked about how hard it can be for athletes here to get noticed, whether they play basketball or soccer, cheer or run track.

When teens want a say

I asked whether adults listen to us or just tell us what to do. Averi said she didn’t think they really listen. Ka’Mylle said it depends on what we’re asking for, especially when we’re trying to make a change. “Adults listen to you, but at the end of the day, it’s going to be their decision because we have to listen no matter what,” Zoey said.

When I asked what people get wrong about kids our age, Zoey talked about how quickly people can decide who you are based on one mistake. She said being Black adds another layer to that judgment.

We talked about our futures, and summarized it to one word.. Ka’Mylle chose “success” and said she might become a lawyer. Averi chose “bright,” even though she hasn’t decided what she wants to do yet. I chose “big money.” I feel like I have a bright future and want to do good things.

I told younger kids to keep Jesus in their lives, read their Bibles, keep their grades up and have fun. Zoey had something to tell them, too. “If you guys ever need anything, I’m here,” she said. “Don’t ever think you’re by yourself.”