Belle, Mya, Shiryl, Aisha, Josie, Jaylyn, Meagan
In the fall of 2023, the Coyote Women's Basketball team stepped out in some very special uniforms celebrating the Tribal heritage of many of its members.
According to head coach Fletcher Brown, "These special uniforms came about via a friend of the program, George Courtney at GC3 Sports. He got in touch with Derek Freeman at Freeman Pest Control who paid to provide them for us. We are very fortunate to have these fine individuals supporting us and our program. They came out really well, too; the teal looks incredible."
Coach Brown has seven Native American players on his roster this season, and the Tribal attire is a great way to honor their culture. "These uniforms mean a lot to our Native American student athletes because they are a culture and a people that is often overlooked and under-represented," he said. "I think they will wear them with pride and hopefully know that they have people supporting them that want to see them succeed. Additionally, I think our players who are not of Native American heritage understand that this is a big deal to them and want to wear them with pride as well."
Read on to learn more about some of CGCC's Native American ballers and what their heritage means to them.
Meagan
Major: Liberal Arts
Team Position: Guard
High School Attended: Blue Ridge HS
Tribal Affiliation: White Mountain Apache
My heritage is a representation of who I am and where I come from, like inside jokes, cultural teaching and traditional practices. I am honored to be a part of White Mountain Apache Tribe.
Shiryl
Major: Physical Therapy/ Medical
Team Position: Guard
High School Attended: Window Rock HS
Tribal Affiliation: Navajo
My heritage has been a key component of who I am today. It has taught me most of what I know and has helped form the person I will become.
Belle
Major: Education
Team Position: Guard
High School Attended: Window Rock HS
Tribal Affiliation: Navajo
My heritage motivates me to do better because I know I am representing my people. It pushes me to be my best.
Aisha
Major: Education
Team Position: Forward
High School Attended: Chinle High School
Tribal Affiliation: Navajo
My heritage has built me to be the person I am today. It is my existence and I am proud to represent my people.
Let's go Coyotes!