Native American Heritage Month just came to a close, but we're still celebrating Native American athletes who have paved the way in the NCAA.
In 2020, only 94 American Indian/Alaskan Indian identifying athletes were on NCAA rosters, according to the NCAA Demographics database. Since 2011, this is an all time low, pointing once again to the lack of minority representation in collegiate athletics.
To combat this lack of representation, we want to highlight and recognize some of the amazing athletes that are currently representing in the NCAA. Our hope is that with more attention and recognition, along with tools necessary for success, this number will increase in coming years.
- Brice Calip (NCAA DI) Missouri State Women's Basketball
Brice is a senior out of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. She is a starter for Missouri State women's basketball team. She is a very decorated athlete, most recently winning player of the year, defensive player of the year, and first-team all honors for the Missouri Valley Conference. In her last season, Brice averaged 13.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. Not only has she excelled on the court, but also in the classroom, earning academic honor roll every semester thus far. We look forward to seeing all the great things Brice accomplishes this season!
- Isaiah Poor Bear-Chandler (NCAA DI) Omaha Mavericks Men's Basketball
Isaiah is a 6'7 senior forward who transferred from Wichita State to play for the Division 1 Omaha Mavericks men's basketball team. He's averaged 6.7 points per game so far in the 2021-2022 season and is expected to have a great season with the Mavericks!
- Kamaka Hepa (NCAA I) University of Hawaii Men's Basketball
Kamaka is an Alaskan native and a junior forward for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors men's basketball team. Thus far, he has averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds per game in the 2021-2022 season. As a graduate transfer, he graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in sports management and a minor in business. At 6'7, he's expected to be a great addition to Hawaii's program.
* Originally published on December 9, 2021, by Celeste Gutierrez
