Devin Booker’s Sister Motivates Him to Succeed - Mya Powell’s Disability Inspires NBA Star to Help Others
Devin Booker's sister, Mya Powell, has been a constant source of strength and support in the athlete's basketball career. She also inspired him to be a philanthropist while living with an intellectual disability.
Mya Powell is Devin Booker's sister who lives away from the spotlight. She and Brook share the same mother, Veronica Gutierrez, a wealthy Puerto Rican cosmetologist who only comes to basketball games for her son. However, Booker and Powell have different fathers.
The siblings have another brother, Davon Wade, who was born to a different dad. The three were raised together in Grand Rapids, Michigan, despite being half-siblings.
Devin Booker hugs his Mya Powell after the game against the Denver Nuggets during Round 2, Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 13, 2021 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. | Source: Getty Images
Powell's name came to light when her brother reached the playoffs in 2021. She and their mother have been constant sources of support in her brother's career since their childhood days.
Mya Powell's Diagnosis with a Rare Disorder
Booker grew up close to his siblings, with whom he would play sports. Booker and Wade left home around the same time to pursue their education, and while they were away, Powell's development noticeably slowed down.
Booker's sister was later diagnosed with a chromosomal genetic disorder called Microdeletion, which made her emotional intelligence stop growing, leaving it the same as a seven-year-old.
Her brothers also ensured that Powell lived a life full of love and support. So when the boys were home, they would allot time to bond through competitive games. Brook said:
"She's our everything. She changed all our lives. She changed them for the better. There's no one in the world who brings more joy to me or to our family."
Devin Booker's Sister, Mya Powell, Is His Biggest Fan
Powell is her brother's biggest fan and supporter. Although she is relatively quiet in front of cameras, she does not hold back when cheering for him during games.
Powell has also appeared in a few video clips on social media, where she showed her close relationship with Booker. Similarly, her older brother has praised Powell for helping him be who he is today. Through his words, many can see Booker's love and care for his younger sister.
Previously, Powell witnessed Booker and the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs, where they celebrated victory. Booker gave his sister a tight hug on the courtside after the win.
According to Booker, his sister, mother, and brother are why he continues to play basketball and strive to succeed. "That's what keeps me going," he said.
Mya Powell Inspired Her Brother's Philanthropy
Witnessing his sister navigate life with a disorder helped the NBA star see how strong Powell is despite adversities. The circumstances have since inspired him to help others in similar situations.
In 2020, Booker became a Special Olympics Global Ambassador. He credited Powell for being a source of strength and inspiration for him to be of help to those with intellectual disabilities.
"She motivates me every day, and I'm humbled to be part of Special Olympics, a global organization with a mission to help spread awareness about the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities," he said.
Booker is also an annual donor of the Special Olympics Arizona as part of his philanthropic efforts, which he calls the Decin Booker Starting 5.
Devin Booker made his NBA debut in 2015 under the Phoenix Suns. He has since made his name known on the court as one of the most significant players. In 2018, the team drafted Booker on another contract to tie him down for another five years for $158 million.
The athlete also became famous among non-sports fans after dating model Jordyn Woods and "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" star Kendall Jenner.
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