If you are a sports fan, you may recognize October’s Phone-a-Story special guest reader! Kyle Speller is the Public Address Announcer for the Denver Nuggets. His voice punctuates every score the Denver Nuggets make at the Ball Arena! He became the first African American Public Address Announcer for any major professional sports team in the state of Colorado and now lends his booming voice to Denver Public Library’s Phone-a-Story!
Listen to Kyle read The Way Champs Play by Naomi Osaka now through October 22, by dialing (720) 865-8500 and pressing 3.
Dial in every Tuesday for a new story, rhyme, or song to listen to! Access Phone-a-Story 24/7 and hear English, Spanish, Amharic, and Vietnamese recordings for different age groups!
Phone-A-Story Guest Star Profile
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Kyle has spent most of his youth in Denver and calls Colorado home.
He is a graduate of Regis High School and attended Eastern Wyoming College on a basketball scholarship. Upon receiving an Associate’s degree, he transferred to Adams State College, also
on a Basketball scholarship – graduating in 1993, and later was a Rookie Free Agent for the Denver Nuggets in 1999. He went on to receive an MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2007, and a second Master’s degree from the University of Denver in 2022.
For over 18 seasons, Kyle has announced plays at each Denver Nuggets home game and was chosen among his peers as one of the most talented PA Announcers from across the league. He was sent to the 2020 NBA Bubble and was nominated as the 2022 All-Star Game PA Announcer. The Denver Nuggets also rely on Kyle as the team’s official Chaplain. Kyle is deeply rooted in spirituality and serves as an Associate Pastor of Emmanuel Christian Center Church in Denver.
As part of his commitment to give back, Kyle takes advantage of numerous opportunities to serve and volunteer in the community. Kyle’s number one passion is spending time with his wife of 24 years, daughter, twin sons, and granddaughter.
More About the Featured Telephone Tale
Written by four-time Grand Slam champion and tennis superstar, Naomi Osaka, The Way Champs Play is a story about sportsmanship, teamwork, and empowerment. This story speaks of the importance of staying active while giving your best and being honest.
The Way Champs Play is an exciting and inspiring anthem for all kids in and out of the classroom who want to PLAY ALL DAY. Check out the book using your Denver Public Library card.
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Are you looking for more children's books like the one Kyle read? Take a look at this list of similar titles below:
Pig the winner by Aaron Blabey
Pig is a greedy pug, who insists on always winning, and throws a tantrum if anything thwarts him--until one day he swallows not only all his food, but his bowl as well and when his friend Trevor saves him he learns a valuable lesson on sharing.
Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb
A sweet and silly buffalo who tries to bluff and fluff his way into being bigger than he really is
Jabari jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can't help but root for.
Wat kept playing by Emily Inouye Huey
This picture book biography about Asian American basketball hero Wataru Misaka will inspire young readers to challenge barriers and dream big. As the child of Japanese immigrants, Wataru "Wat" Misaka often felt like he didn't fully belong in either Japanese or American culture. He was sometimes excluded, treated differently, and bullied, even though he was born in the United States. As he grew up, however, Wat discovered he had a very special talent for playing basketball.