Children Sports

Shaquille O'Neal discovered his love of basketball while spending time in an afterschool program called the Boys & Girls Club of America. Standing over six feet tall by the time he turned 11 years old, Shaq—as he is affectionately known—continued to practice the game and stunned the country with his phenomenal skills. From leading his high-school team to its first-ever state title to becoming the first pick in the 1992 NBA draft and going on to win four NBA championships, Shaq proved that he could dominate almost any player.

Bubba Wallace started racing cars at nine years old. He began competing in 2010 and hasn’t slowed down since, setting records as the youngest winner at many races. He was the first Black driver to win Rookie of the Year for NASCAR.

Baseball runs in the family for Fernando Tatis Jr. Both his father and grandfather played professional baseball. Tatis signed his first professional baseball contract when he was just 16 years old! He made his major league debut a few years later and broke an age record that same day. Learn more about this Dominican shortstop superstar!

Elena Delle Donne made her WNBA debut in 2013 and earned the Rookie of the Year award. It was just a glimpse of what was to come. Delle Donne has been an All-Star six times, and she led the Washington Mystics to a championship win in 2019. Get the highlights of Delle Donne’s amazing career and learn about her community involvement off the court.

Outfielder Christian Yelich joined Little League when he was four and never stopped playing. From traveling teams when he was young to being drafted as a professional player, baseball was a priority for Yelich. He was named the National League’s MVP in 2018.

Adam Thielen always knew he wanted to play in the NFL. From growing up watching Randy Moss and the Vikings to playing at a small Division II college, his path to the NFL hasn't always been a straight line. After initially making the Vikings roster in 2013, he was cut to the practice squad. He went on to become Minnesota's top wide receiver.

Mookie Betts started playing baseball as a child and has never looked back. Betts made his major-league baseball debut in 2014. In 2018, he won the American League MVP award and helped lead the Red Sox to a World Series win.

Throw a Hail Mary! Pass the pigskin! Catch a pick six! Discover the meaning of these gridiron terms and more in Football Talk. Created with Sports Illustrated Kids, this nonfiction book presents wacky lingo and puzzling phrases from the football field.

Boys' lacrosse is an action-packed sport! Kids can get involved in this fun activity by learning about the rules, equipment, and the importance of sportsmanship. They can even practice a key skill to have more fun on the field.

When time is running short and the Lombardi Trophy is at stake, some players seize the moment and make themselves legends. From Hail Mary passes to tackle-breaking touchdown runs, some of football's greatest moments are chronicled in vivid fashion here.

Girls' lacrosse is a fast-paced sport! Kids can get in on the action by learning about the sport, equipment, and the importance of good sportsmanship. Then they can practice an important skill to have even more fun on the field.

When victory is within reach and the game is in its final moments, some players seize the moment and make themselves legends. From stunning goals in injury time to breathtaking saves in shootouts, some of soccer's greatest moments are chronicled in vivid fashion here. You've got a front-row view of the action.

Hockey is fun to watch, but even more fun to play! Kids can get in the game by learning about the rules of the sport, the equipment needed to play, and the importance of good sportsmanship. Then they can practice a key hockey skill to have even more fun on the ice.

Softball is exciting to watch, but it’s even more fun to play! Kids can take the field by learning the rules of the sport, the equipment and skills needed to play, and the importance of good sportsmanship.

Martial Arts are thrilling to watch, but they’re even more fun to do! Kids can take part in the sport by learning what martial arts are, what gear and skills are needed, what happens during lessons, and how to be a good sport.

When the stakes are high, some players seize the moment and make themselves legends. From pitching heroics in Game 7 of the World Series to pennant-clinching home runs, some of baseball's greatest moments are chronicled in vivid fashion here. You've got a front-row seat to the action.

Baseball is fun to watch, but even more fun to play! Kids can get in the game by learning about the rules of the sport, the equipment needed to play, and the importance of good sportsmanship.

Gymnastics is amazing to watch! Kids can take part in the sport by learning about the skills, equipment, and the importance of good sportsmanship. They can even practice a basic skill to have more fun in the arena.

Basketball is fun watch, but even more fun to play! Kids can get in the game by learning about the rules of the sport, the equipment needed to play, and the importance of good sportsmanship. Then, they can practice a key basketball skill to have even more fun on the court.

As a child, Megan Rapinoe watched her brother play soccer. It wasn't long before she was kicking the ball around. Her playing career has gained much success, and the left winger is now known as a leader on and off the field. In 2019, she played for the U.S team that won the World Cup. Discover Rapinoe's journey to becoming a world star in this thrilling biography in the Stars of Sports series.