When Ajay Mitchell, guard of the Oklahoma City Thunder teamed up with Love's Travel Stops for the official Youth Media Day on Saturday, September 15, 2025, the buzz around Edmond’s Mitch Park YMCA was palpable. Forty local YMCA athletes rolled into the park at 9:00 a.m., ready for a day that promised a slice of NBA life—scrimmages, photo shoots, mock media interviews, and a swag bag for every kid. The event was more than a photo op; it was the Thunder’s way of turning a championship win—still fresh after their June 14, 2025 title—into community goodwill.
Why the Thunder Hosted a Youth Media Day
The championship victory gave the Thunder a platform they didn’t want to waste. As Brooks Barnhizer, the team’s newest shooting guard, put it, “It was really cool, really cool. I think just to get out here, because I’m new in the community.” He arrived in Edmond earlier that week, hoping to make a genuine connection beyond the court. The Youth Media Day let him do exactly that—coach, mentor, and mingle with the next generation of local ballplayers.
According to Sarah Miller, executive director of the Mitch Park YMCA, “Partnering with the Thunder after their championship shows they care about the kids who grow up watching them. It’s a confidence booster for our athletes and a reminder that big dreams are within reach.”
Day‑by‑Day Breakdown
The schedule unfolded like a mini‑NBA broadcast. At 9:30 a.m., Mitchell and Barnhizer ran the first scrimmage, emphasizing teamwork over flash. "Play with confidence, trust your teammate’s pass," Mitchell reminded the youths, echoing the Thunder’s own locker‑room mantra.
- 9:00 a.m. – Arrival, registration, and welcome remarks.
- 9:30 a.m. – First basketball scrimmage led by Mitchell and Barnhizer.
- 10:30 a.m. – Skill‑drill stations focusing on shooting, ball‑handling, and defensive footwork.
- 12:00 p.m. – Professional‑grade photo shoot with Thunder photographers.
- 1:30 p.m. – Mock media interview session, complete with microphones and a backdrop mimicking an NBA press room.
- 3:00 p.m. – Closing ceremony, swag distribution, and group photo with mascot Rumble the Bison.
Beyond the court, each participant stepped onto a stage set up near the YMCA’s main gym, where a mock interview ran. Kids faced a mock reporter, answered “How does it feel to train with NBA pros?” and “What’s your basketball dream?” The experience mimicked real media pressure, giving the youngsters a taste of the spotlight.
The mascot, Rumble the Bison, along with the Thunder Girls and Storm Chasers, pumped up the crowd, handing out stickers and high‑fives. Their presence turned the gym into a mini arena, complete with cheers that sounded eerily familiar to anyone who’s sat in Oklahoma City’s arena.
What the Kids Took Home
When the day wound down, each athlete left with a drawstring bag brimming with Thunder-branded gear—t‑shirts, water bottles, and a signed basketball. The swag wasn’t just merch; it represented a tangible reminder that the NBA’s biggest stars had spent a Saturday in their community.
For many, the day sparked a new level of confidence. One 13‑year‑old participant, Maya Rodriguez, said, “I never thought I’d get coached by actual NBA players. It makes me want to work harder and maybe one day play for them.”
Community Reaction and Future Plans
Local businesses around Edmond reported a surge in foot traffic on September 15, attributing it to families coming to watch the event. The city’s mayor, James Hernandez, praised the Thunder, noting, “Events like this strengthen the bond between our team and the people of Oklahoma. We hope to see this become an annual tradition.”
The Thunder organization hinted that this could be the first of many community‑focused initiatives. In an internal memo leaked to the press, the team’s community outreach director mentioned plans for a summer basketball clinic series and a fall media‑training camp targeting high‑school athletes.
Key Facts
- Date: September 15, 2025
- Location: Mitch Park YMCA, Edmond, Oklahoma
- Participants: 40 YMCA youth athletes
- Thunder players coaching: Ajay Mitchell (guard) and Brooks Barnhizer (shooting guard)
- Partner: Love's Travel Stops
Looking Ahead
With the Thunder fresh off their historic 2025 championship, the organization appears eager to translate on‑court success into off‑court impact. The Youth Media Day set a high bar, blending professional basketball instruction with a realistic glimpse into NBA media life. If the positive community response is any indication, expect more events that let local kids step into the limelight—perhaps even a full‑scale youth tournament later this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Youth Media Day benefit participating YMCA athletes?
Beyond basic basketball drills, the day gives athletes a taste of professional media pressure, boosting confidence and communication skills. Participants walk away with a clearer picture of what it takes to be in the public eye, a benefit that extends to school presentations and future interviews.
What role did Love's Travel Stops play in the event?
Love's Travel Stops provided financial backing that covered venue costs, swag bags, and the professional photography crew. Their branding appeared on banners and the drawstring bags, making it clear the partnership was a key enabler for the day’s expansive program.
Will the Thunder host similar events in the future?
Team officials hinted at a year‑long community outreach calendar that includes summer clinics and fall media workshops. While exact dates are still being firmed up, the organization’s leadership confirmed the Youth Media Day was intended as the first step of a broader strategy.
How were the mock interviews structured?
Each athlete faced a mock reporter behind a backdrop decorated with the Thunder logo. They were given a short briefing, asked standard press‑conference questions, and then given immediate feedback on body language and clarity. The session lasted roughly ten minutes per participant.
What was the community response in Edmond?
Local businesses reported increased traffic, and social media buzz in Edmond spiked with photos and praise for the Thunder. Mayor James Hernandez called the event a "perfect example of sports teams giving back," and many parents expressed hope that such opportunities would become an annual fixture.
