Who Is Zaila Avant-garde? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 6, 2007, Zaila Avant-garde is an American prodigy who gained widespread recognition after winning the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee at just 14 years old. Her extraordinary talent made her a household name in the world of spelling and academia. As of 2025, Zaila is 17 years old and has continued to cultivate her skills and interests beyond just spelling.
Zaila's achievements don't stop at spelling; she is also an avid basketball player and has showcased her skills in various competitions. Her passion for both academics and sports sets her apart, making her not just a spelling champion, but a well-rounded individual poised for further success in the future.
| Occupation | Basketball Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 2007 (age 14) |
| Age | 18 Years |
| Birth Place | Harvey, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Zaila Avant-garde's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Zaila Avant-garde stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall and weighs around 120 pounds (54 kg). While her stats are typical for a teenager, it’s her exceptional intellect and talent that truly define her presence. Her lean build is a testament to her active lifestyle, particularly her commitment to basketball.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Zaila Avant-garde is known to keep her personal life relatively private. As of 2025, there is no publicly available information regarding her dating status. Being a young adult focused on her education and career, it seems that she may not yet be in a serious relationship. Zaila often shares snippets of her family life and credits her parents for supporting her endeavors, but details about potential romantic relationships remain under wraps.
Her father chose her last name to honor John Coltrane. She has cited Malala Yousafzai, Serena Williams, and Coco Gauff as inspirations. Her basketball heroes include Stephen Curry, James Harden, Diana Taurasi, Kevin Durant and Maya Moore.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Zaila Avant-garde’s estimated net worth is around $1 million. This figure primarily stems from her winnings from the Scripps National Spelling Bee, endorsements, and various appearances. Her popularity has made her a notable figure for brand collaborations, especially in the educational and youth sectors. Zaila's ability to leverage her talent into financial opportunities will likely continue to grow as she ventures into other areas of her career.
Career, Business and Investments
Since her historic win at the Spelling Bee, Zaila has transitioned into a multifaceted career. She engages in motivational speaking, inspiring young audiences to pursue their passions. Additionally, Zaila is involved in basketball and has participated in local tournaments, further showcasing her athletic capabilities.
Zaila has also taken steps towards entrepreneurship, launching her own brand of educational tools aimed at helping students excel in academics. Through her initiatives, she hopes to empower others and foster a love for learning. As she continues to explore various avenues in both education and sports, Zaila is set to make significant contributions to her fields of interest.
Social Network
Zaila Avant-garde maintains an active presence on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Through these channels, she connects with her fans, shares updates about her life, and promotes positive messages about education and self-improvement. Her relatability and charisma resonate well with her audience, allowing her to cultivate a supportive online community.
Education
Zaila Avant-garde is currently a student focusing on her education while balancing her burgeoning career. Her commitment to her studies is evident, as she often speaks about the importance of education and hard work. As she progresses through high school, Zaila is considering various options for her future, including higher education opportunities that will complement her passion for both academics and athletics.
Avant-garde reached the national level in the 2019 Bee. She used a study resource called SpellPundit to learn about 12,000 words per day. Her coach was former Scripps finalist, Cole Shafer-Ray, who also coached the runner-up, Chaitra Thummala. In the 2021 competition, she won the title by correctly spelling "Murraya".
The first place comes with $50,000 in cash and prizes. Due to pandemic concerns, only the 11 finalists competed in person, in a session that took fewer than 2 hours. She is the first African-American contestant to win the competition. Before her, MacNolia Cox became the first African-American contestant to reach the final stage in the 1936 Bee.
