DENVER – Zoey Kirksey, 11, couldn’t control the tears when meeting Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker for the first time before Saturday’s Game at Denver.
“Amazing,” a still tearful Kirksey said. “I have so much love in my heart for him and I was so happy.”
Kirksey made the trip from Rapid City, South Dakota with her family to watch Booker play for only the second time ever.
The first was when Phoenix completed the ‘Suns in 4’ sweep of the Nuggets with Game 4 win in Denver two years ago in the playoffs.
Apr 29, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Zoey Kirksey, age 11 from Rapid City, SD, weeps as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker hugs her during the pregame warmup before Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic
Kirksey’s mom, Sammy Coats, said the family sat a little higher behind the basket for that first game. This time, they sat in the lower corner where she and Booker connected.
“Ah man, that was like some Michael Jackson stuff,” Booker said after Phoenix lost Game 1 to the Nuggets at Ball Arena. “I had my headphones in, I had them on blast and I still heard her scream. It’s crazy. That’s what it’s about. Be able to affect people’s lives like that. I never lose sight of that. It’s an important part of why we do this. To be a role model to the next generation and let kids live through us.”
As Booker was walking over towards her, Kirksey was beyond excited.
“I just felt like I had a heart attack,” she said while sitting on her dad’s lap, Brett Kirksey.
Booker signed an Orange Suns jersey, gave her a hug and made Kirksey’s life forever.
Apr 29, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Zoey Kirksey, age 11 from Rapid City, SD, weeps after Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker signed her jersey during the pregame warmup before Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic
“I just felt so loved by him,” she continued.
Zoey Kirksey said she couldn’t remember what Booker said to her, but words can’t do justice how she felt about meeting him.
“I’m so glad he gave me a hug,” she said. “He’s my favorite…
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