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When Skyla I'Lece found out she landed the role of female lead "Alexis" in Disney's TV adaptation of novel-in-verse The Crossover, she thought she was in a dream—and we can't blame her. At just 16, she's starring in her first series regular role in a long-awaited adaptation of a Newbery Award-winning book. Not to mention the fact that it's executive produced by NBA all-star LeBron James and lyrically narrated by Hamilton's Daveed Diggs. 

The Crossover follows two 14-year-old twin boys who come of age on and off the basketball court. Alexis, Skyla's character, is an inspired musician who also plays a major role in the brothers' lives. It's a character any young actress would fall in love with, and we had the chance to chat with Skyla about her slam-dunk of a dream role. 

Girls' Life: What was it like playing Alexis?

Skyla: Alexis is a fantastic character to portray. She's sweet, she's supportive, and I feel like she's not that different from myself—she plays guitar and sings, just like me. She uses music to convey certain messages that she doesn't feel comfortable saying. I think anyone who is musically-inclined feels this way. 

GL: Do you enjoy writing music or covering any particular songs?

Skyla: I do. I'm an up-and-coming songwriter, but I love to cover Adele songs. I feel like we have a similar range and her songs are so heartfelt and dramatic. I also love old-timey songs, like "At Last" by Etta James or "You Can't Hurry Love" by The Supremes.  

GL: That's awesome. Did you get a chance to read The Crossover when you were preparing for the role? 

Skyla: When I booked the role, I went out and bought a copy of the book and highlighted whenever [my character] was mentioned. I really got to know the character that was on the page, who is just a little bit different than the character who is seen in the show. 

GL: And the book is known for being written in verse. Were you into poetry before this? 

Skyla: Oh, I was totally into poetry. Not like going up to the mic and doing slam poetry, but writing poetry for myself. I think songwriting is poetry in itself, too. 

GL: Yes, I agree. Can you tell us a little about Alexis's style? 

Skyla: She definitely takes time to think about her wardrobe. She's different [from me] because I like to wear a lot of baggy outfits. I have like 20 pairs of baggy shirts, baggy pants, baggy everything. [Alexis] likes to wear everything that's tight-fitted—tight jeans, tight overalls, short skirts—she's very put together. 

GL: What's something you've learned from the show? 

Skyla: I learned the value of having somebody that's always there for you. If we don't have these people, we can feel alone and start to spiral at times. But finding those people that you can feel completely comfortable with and always have your back is super important. My mom really is my ride or die [for me] and I can talk to her about anything. I have a very strong relationship with her. We can have those uncomfortable conversations. 

GL: Did you have a co-star you really connected with on set? 

Skyla: I think I learned a lot from everyone on set, but I connected the most with Deja [Monique Cruz], who plays Maya on the show. We got up pretty much every Saturday morning and go on a jog around New Orleans. It was so fun having those "girl talk" conversations with her. 

GL: What do you hope people love about the show? 

Skyla: I hope they love the family dynamic. We get to see so many relationships throughout the show, whether it's a boyfriend and a girlfriend, a husband and wife or two rivals. Maybe people will be able to see themselves in [these relationships] and hopefully be able to relate and learn from those relationships—what to do, what not to do. 

GL: Do you have anything else exciting coming up? 

Skyla: I've recently just booked a voiceover role—I'm going to be the voice of an animated character. I can't say too much about it, but it's going to be coming out on Apple TV+ in the next year or so.

GL: And finally, what's one piece of advice you'd give to other teen girls out there? 

Skyla: I would say that it gets better. When I was younger, I was bullied a lot, but I don't think I realized I was being bullied until I look back now. So in the moment, if I saw girls laughing at me or obviously gossiping about me, I didn't really register that. I started to remember these things and I was like 'dang, these people did not like me at all.' But it definitely got better. I've found healthier friendships and relationships, and it does get better. 

Stream The Crossover on Disney+ right now!

Images: Sergio Garcia.

by Katherine Hammer and Laila Mayfield | 4/5/2023