By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
The Ladd family legacy is not only generational but also historical throughout the state of Washington, especially here in Seattle, as younger family members rise to the throne. Khalil Ladd, the son of former Rainier Beach and Washington State University basketball standout Mychal Ladd, is a multi-sport athlete whose future is destined to carry on this rich family legacy.
With deep roots dating back to his Great-Grandfather Gary Ladd Sr., Khalil’s early signs of athleticism come as no surprise. Ladd Sr. is the all-time career leader in assists at Seattle University, had a 40-inch vertical leap, was a 1972 All-West Coast Conference honoree, and was a fifth-round pick for the Seattle SuperSonics in 1972. Laying his roots in Seattle, the Ladd family tree is full of accomplished athletes and social/business pillars in the community.
A fearless competitor when it comes to sports, Khalil’s father, Mychal, who believes in working hard to perfect his craft, appreciates the dedication his son has at such a young age.
“His mentality when it comes to sports is very mature for his age, and he has the heart of a lion,” says Ladd. “He’s a natural-born athlete. He’s never trained for football; when it’s the offseason for football, he’s focused on basketball. Even when it’s football season, he makes sure to get shots up every day before practice.”
“He’s just a kid living in the moment, enjoying playing sports with his friends,” continued Ladd. “As long as he keeps that confidence and continues having fun with it, the grind will speak for itself.”
Although he doesn’t train for football like he does for basketball, Khalil has been an absolute touchdown machine for the 5 Star Cougars junior football program. A year ago, while playing 6U at just 5 years old, he recorded 24 touchdowns, and this year he has picked up where he left off, scoring 14 touchdowns through the first four weeks of the season.
With his quickness, instincts, ability to bounce off tackles, and elusive running style that makes defenders miss, the quarterback has his team at the top of the Northwest Premier Junior Football League’s 6U division.
Making the switch from running back to quarterback this year has been a great transition for Khalil as his skillset is on full display, which has translated into what’s important on the field: touchdowns and wins.
“Last season he played running back, and this season they put him at quarterback because of his leadership skills and understanding of the game,” said Ladd. “In 6U, he doesn’t get tackled much, but going forward he wants to continue playing quarterback.
When he’s not playing quarterback, Khalil is playing basketball above his grade level for the Rotary Boys and Girls Club against older opponents, and even that cannot stop him. On the court, he can blow by defenders with his crossover and finish with a floater, push the ball from baseline to baseline for layups, shoot from the extended mid-range area, and he can dribble between his legs then find an open teammate.
Whether it’s football or basketball, Khalil’s skillset translates to both sports, and as time goes on, it will be exciting to see him carry on the Ladd legacy that was set by his father and great-grandfather.
“Everyone who knows Khalil knows he’s a different breed,” says Ladd. “I can sign him up for baseball or soccer, and he’ll have a strong impact in those sports as well because he wants to be the best in any sport he’s a part of. But coming from a basketball family, it has been exciting watching him excel in football. I’m not sure how far he will take it, but we’re going to enjoy the ride for as long as he wants to play.”
