Vivian Havens, an 8-year-old homeschooled second grader from Benton, has taken a step from courtside fan to fashion runway pro, and her momentum shows no signs of fading. After captivating basketball fans with her enthusiasm and charm while interacting with Memphis Grizzlies players, Vivian found herself on a very different kind of stage on September 17: the runway outside Macy’s at Herald Square in New York City.
The girl known to social media as @superfanvivian walked confidently for Rookie Kids, a retail brand known for apparel and footwear designed specifically for children. Vivian donned a striking custom pink Nike outfit for the event, joining peers of celebrity parents and well-known figures. Among those walking alongside her were the children of rapper and actor Ice-T and his wife Coco, music producer DJ Khaled, and Jersey Shore’s Jenni “JWoww” Farley. Even New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Jordan Clarkson made appearances, underscoring the event’s blend of athletic and entertainment worlds.
For Vivian, this new role wasn’t a far stretch from her infectious energy courtside at the Memphis Grizzlies games earlier this year. She first gained recognition through viral videos of her high-fiving and dancing with NBA players, and sometimes even interviewing them. This viral fame opened doors beyond the basketball court, expanding her reach from local Benton neighborhoods to a bustling New York catwalk.
Her parents, Todd and Callie Havens, have supported her journey from viral sensation to fashion runways. As a homeschooled student, Vivian’s schedule allows more flexibility to explore these unique opportunities while balancing schoolwork at home. The experience of walking alongside children of prominent figures and interacting with professional athletes has broadened her world in vivid and unexpected ways.
The Rookie Kids runway experience was more than just a quick stroll before an audience. It was a chance to build confidence and poise on a platform unlike anything she had encountered previously. Vivian described the experience simply: “It was cool.” Those two words capture the excitement of an eight-year-old expanding her horizons, stepping into a global stage with the same joy she shows courtside cheering for her favorite teams.
Vivian’s rise is a reminder that stories making the rounds on social platforms can turn into tangible experiences — doors opening for children to step into bigger spaces with community, style, and genuine zeal. In a region where arts and sports often blend, Vivian personifies the growing culture of young talent forging paths fueled by passion and personality.
For families in Northwest Arkansas thinking about weekend plans, Vivian’s story offers something fresh: a chance to encourage the next generation’s enthusiasm wherever it shows up, be it on the basketball court, a dance floor, or a runway. The journey from local courts to national stages proves that a spark of confidence and support from home can lead to memorable moments—ones that could inspire your own kid’s next step.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
