National Spelling Bee champion Ananya Vinay gets VIP treatment at Warriors game

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The National Spelling Bee Champ Ananya Vinay is a fan of the Golden State Warriors, and a Fresno car dealer made sure she gets to see her favorite team in action with tickets to Monday night's game in Oakland.

"They are a good team, and they make the game exciting," Ananya said. "So, I'm glad to like see it at the real place."

This bit of local recognition follows nearly two weeks of accolades and national TV appearances.

"It's been like a whirlwind," she said.

The excitement started when a limo arrived at the family's north Fresno home to take them to the game in Oakland. Her father Sreekumar is pleased to see his daughter receive recognition for her accomplishment.

"More than winning the spelling bee, it's about a confident young girl who's able to kind of tackle what is thrown at her," he said. "And the poise and determination she showed on the stage that day is something I'm very proud of."

And after all this, what are Ananya's plans?

"Have a normal summer, go to summer camp and stuff like that," she said.

The limo ride and the tickets were all provided by Lithia Auto Group.