From Marginalized to Magnified: The Story of the First Native Student-Athlete Summit
June 4–5, 2025 | NCAA Headquarters, Indianapolis, IN
On a warm June morning in Indianapolis, Native student-athletes from across the country arrived at the NCAA Headquarters. Some had traveled thousands of miles. Many were the only Native athletes on their teams. All carried with them not just their school colors, but the stories, hopes, and strength of their communities and Nations.
They came for the Inaugural Native Student-Athlete Summit (NSAS)—a first-of-its-kind gathering created by the Indigenous Athletics Advancement Council (IAAC) and hosted by the NCAA Office of Inclusion. The Summit was more than a conference. It was a declaration: Native athletes belong here. Their stories matter. Their futures are worth investing in.
The Summit began with a welcome, then a land blessing and flute blessing, to not only welcome the student-athletes, but also the communities they are coming from and going back to. “Good morning, and welcome to the First Annual Native Student-Athlete Summit... We are honored to gather here in the spirit of community, culture, and collaboration.”
“Never before in the history of the NCAA has there been this many Natives in this building,” Speaker Robert Doore remarked upon the opening of the Summit. On day two, Senior Vice President of the NCAA, Felicia Martin, encouraged the students with the message, “you’re not different, you’re first.” The Summit celebrated the many firsts while also emphasizing the importance of continuing to push for progress. Matayah Yellowmule, a social work major and track and field student-athlete at the University of South Dakota, reflected, “I’m grateful to have received validation”.
This Summit was not born overnight. It has been a dream over 20 years in the making—a vision long held by Native leaders, educators, and athletes who knew that Indigenous representation in collegiate sports needed more than acknowledgment; it needed action. That dream became reality with the formation of the IAAC and its strategic partnership with the NCAA Office of Inclusion.
Why NSAS Matters
Native student-athletes remain significantly underrepresented in collegiate athletics, comprising less than 1% of all NCAA athletes. In the 2023–24 academic year, there were 2,315 Native American student-athletes across all NCAA divisions—a 31% increase from a decade earlier. Despite this growth, visibility and support remain limited.
Division I: 544 athletes
Division II: 981 athletes
Division III: 790 athletes
Most represented sports: Football (407), Baseball (187), Softball (169)
The NSAS was created to change that narrative.
“As a Native American athlete, every time I step on the field, I carry more than just my name—I carry my people.” — Jessi Curry (Diné), Southern Methodist University, Women’s Soccer
Our Mission
The Native Student-Athlete Summit centers Native student-athlete experiences, access, and opportunities within collegiate athletics and beyond. Over two days, Native student-athletes and administrators are immersed in culturally relevant and applicable educational experiences. Participants reflect on their journeys and project a future of success for themselves and their communities—moving from marginalized to magnified.
A Space Created with Intention
The Summit was designed to center Native student-athlete experiences in a way that had never been done before. Over two days, nearly 40 student-athletes representing more than 20 Indigenous Nations and over 30 colleges and universities came together with over 20 administrators and professionals. They shared meals, stories, and strategies. They laughed, reflected, and built something lasting, something abundant.
The event opened with a tour of the NCAA Hall of Champions, followed by a community prayer and welcome. The energy was electric—equal parts pride, purpose, and possibility.
Plenary Voices: Culture, Law, and Leadership
Day One featured two powerful plenary sessions. Robert Doore, CEO of Chief Mountain Sports & Consulting, delivered “Sacred Hustle: Culture is Your Superpower,” reminding athletes that their heritage is not a burden—it’s a strength. Jessie Stomski, General Counsel for the Prairie Island Indian Community, followed with “The Good Fight: Lessons from Sports and the Law,” offering insight into advocacy, resilience, and the power of carrying community with you.
These sessions set the tone for the rest of the Summit: unapologetically Indigenous, deeply empowering, and rooted in real-world tools for success.
Workshops, Wisdom, and Community
Throughout the Summit, student-athletes participated in sessions that addressed both personal and professional development, including:
“Financial Literacy: How Money Works” – building financial confidence and independence
“Turning Passions into Professions” – translating athletic skills into career pathways
“Nahongvita: Indigenous Mental Health & Wellness” – centering strength-based approaches to well-being
“Success Beyond Gameday” – unlocking identity, confidence, and leadership
“Native Entrepreneurism in Sports & Community” – exploring business and cultural innovation
“Playing with a Purpose” – connecting sport to service and community impact
Administrators engaged in sessions such as:
“Supporting Native American Student-Athletes: It’s Not Rocket Science”
“Beyond the Court: Building Relationships with Tribal Communities”
“On Native Land: The Land Grab System and College Athletics”
The first evening concluded with a powerful networking dinner hosted by RISE, titled “Representation Matters.” This event provided a space for student-athletes, mentors, and leaders to connect across generations and institutions, reinforcing the importance of visibility, solidarity, and shared purpose in collegiate athletics.
In every room, the message was clear: Native athletes are not alone. They are part of a growing, vibrant community.
“It was so heartwarming and healing to come to a place where I was seen for my favorite part of myself—my Navajo side.” — Jessi Curry (Diné), Southern Methodist University, Women’s Soccer
“Every opportunity I have, I carry my family with me—especially my mother. She’s my best friend and my biggest inspiration.” — Matayah Yellowmule (Oglala Lakota), University of South Dakota, Track & Field (Long Jump, Triple Jump, High Jump)
“Every topic was right on the spot and relatable being a Native student-athlete. It felt really fun, we instantly clicked automatically because we all have the similar background in not only athletics, but the cultural identity. Was nice to have a room full of similar people who compete in college sports, go to school – who are all Native athletes.” –Ali Upshaw (Diné), Northern Arizona University, Cross Country
“You can leave home but you’ll never take what you had at home outside of you, wherever you go... You can make a lasting impact on other Native communities.” — Thomas Saunders (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians), Christian Brothers University, Track & Cross Country
“Fantastic summit and I appreciate all of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into making this dream a reality. I look forward to coming back in future years and learning as much as possible.” — Summit Administrator
A Movement That Will Grow
The Summit closed with a keynote from Jaci McCormack, Co-Founder of Rise Above, who challenged attendees to “Change the Narrative.” And they already are.
In the post-event survey, every student-athlete said they were highly likely to recommend the Summit to others. The feedback was clear: this space is needed. It’s healing. It’s powerful. And it’s just the beginning.
The NSAS will now become an annual event, with a vision to grow in community, abundance, and partnerships. With support from sponsors like Nike N7, Phoenix Indian Center, Northern Arizona University, Tribal Athletics, RISE, and media partners NDN Sports and Decolonize Sports, the future is bright.
In summation, NSAS serves as a starting point to empower more Native Student-Athletes to pursue their dream. Ali Upshaw, Diné Cross Country Runner at Norther Arizona University beautifully reflected on her experience and provided insight to Native youth who want to play a sport in college: “You are capable of it, if you have that dream, it is calling you for a reason, you are so capable of fulfilling that as your destiny”.
“Welcome to the Summit. Welcome to the community. Welcome to your moment.”
