Category: Navajo

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Basketball Navajo NDN All-Star Info NDN All-Star Profile NDN All-Stars Firsts

“FIRSTS” – NDN All-Star #46 Ryneldi Becenti, Basketball Pioneer

NDN All-Stars "FIRSTS" Header - Ryneldi Becenti

It’s time for another installment of NDN All-Stars “Firsts”.

In today’s blog post, we are featuring women’s basketball pioneer NDN All-Star #46 Ryneldi Becenti (Navajo). As a member of the Navajo Nation, she became the first Native American woman to play in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Becenti’s basketball career started at Window Rock High School, where she quickly stood out. Her skills earned her a scholarship to Scottsdale Community College, and later to Arizona State University (ASU). At ASU, she became a team leader and earned All-Pac-10 honors. Her performance in college showed that she could compete at the highest levels of women’s basketball and set the stage for her professional career.

In 1997, Becenti made history by signing with the Phoenix Mercury, becoming the first Native American woman to play in the WNBA. Even though her time in the WNBA was short, it was groundbreaking. She inspired many young Native American athletes who saw her as a role model and a path to their dreams in professional sports.

After her time in the WNBA, Becenti played professionally in France, Sweden, and Greece. (Imagine – a kid from the Navajo reservation travelling around the world playing the game she loves!) Her international career showed her versatility and skill as a player and her ability to adapt to different styles of play. She was known for her excellent ball-handling, court vision, and leadership. These qualities made her a valuable player and a trailblazer in women’s basketball.

Beyond her basketball achievements, Ryneldi Becenti has contributed significantly off the court. She works to promote sports and education among Native American youth – speaking and coaching at clinics and camps. Her efforts to give back to her community and inspire the next generation of athletes reflect her commitment to using her platform as a basketball pioneer for positive change. NDN All-Star #46 Ryneldi Becenti’s legacy is not just her basketball career but also her role as a pioneer and advocate for diversity in sports. Her story shows the impact one person can have in breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.

 

 

Bill Black, founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr. (Quah-Lee-Lah).
Bill Black(l), founder of NDN All-Stars with his father, Bill Black, Sr.

Bill Black is the creator and “General Manager of NDN All-Stars, celebrating great Native American athletes past and present.  He is a first generation descendant of the Okanogan Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and resides in Omak, WA.

#NDNAllstars #RyneldiBecenti #Navajo #WNBA #basketball #PhoenixMercury

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.

Thank you for your support!

 

 

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Auto Racing Navajo NDN All-Stars Firsts

NDN All-Stars “FIRSTS!” – An Indian at the Brickyard!

NDN All-Stars FIRSTS -Cory Witherill

Let’s take a trip back to 2001, the year the Indianapolis 500 witnessed a groundbreaking moment in motorsport history – NDN All-Star #146 Cory Witherill (Navajo) became the first Native American to grace the most famous racetrack in the world!

Growing up with a love for racing, Witherill faced his fair share of challenges along the way. Yet, he never let setbacks dim his drive. Despite the hurdles, he pursued his dreams with unwavering belief, eventually earning his spot in the storied event.

For Witherill, racing in the Indy 500 that day in 2001 wasn’t just about personal achievement; it was about representation and breaking barriers. His presence on that track, starting in 31st place and finishing in 19th, was a powerful symbol of diversity and inclusion, inspiring countless individuals – young and old, particularly within Native communities, to reach for their own dreams.

Since that historic day, Witherill’s legacy has continued to resonate, reminding us of the importance of perseverance and the impact of representation in sports. His story serves as a beacon of inspiration, urging us all to chase our dreams relentlessly, regardless of the obstacles we may face.

In addition to his start at the Indy 500, Winterill competed in the Indy Racing League, Infinity Pro Series, Indy Lights, and the ARCA Series.

NDN All-Star #146 Cory Witherill‘s name will forever be synonymous with courage, determination, and the enduring spirit of breaking down barriers in pursuit of greatness.

#ndnallstars #corywitherill #indy500 #racing #navajo #FIRSTS

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.
Thank you for your support!

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Golf Navajo NDN All-Star Profile

NDN All-Star #11 Rickie Fowler (Navajo) – A Golfer With A Flair For The Dramatic

NDN All-Star #11 Rickie Fowler (Navajo)

Let’s dive into the world of golf and talk about NDN All-Star #11 Rickie Fowler (Navajo)!

Rickie’s golf journey began when he was just a kid. Born on December 13, 1988, in Murrieta, California, he started playing golf at the age of three! His passion for the sport grew stronger as he practiced and played in junior tournaments. Rickie’s dedication and hard work paid off when he received a golf scholarship to Oklahoma State University – a big step toward his dream of becoming a professional golfer.

After turning pro in 2009, Rickie Fowler quickly made a name for himself on the professional golf circuit. He’s known for his stylish outfits and his vibrant orange outfits on Sundays, which has become his signature look (a tribute to his OSU days). But it’s not just about the style – Rickie’s game speaks for itself. He has several victories on the PGA Tour, including the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship,  the prestigious Players Championship in 2015, and most recently the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic.

Did you know that Rickie Fowler is Navajo? His maternal grandmother is of Navajo descent, which connects him to a rich and unique culture. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States, known for their history, art, and traditions. Rickie takes pride in his Navajo roots and sometimes incorporates elements of Navajo culture into his golfing gear, like the Thunderbird symbol.

Rickie has an uncanny talent for making great golf shots at big moments!  Here is one example.  And here is another.  And another…  get the idea?

Fowler’s success isn’t just about winning tournaments. He’s also passionate about giving back to the community. Through his charity work, he supports various causes, including children’s hospitals and disaster relief efforts. Rickie’s commitment to making a positive impact shows that being a role model goes beyond the golf course.

A great example of this is – in 2023, Rickie BOUGHT the small golf course where he first began playing golf – a course where his dad worked in exchange for Fowler to be able to hit balls there.  He bought it so that other kids in the future would have that same opportunity to learn the game he loves.  Here is what he had to say about the purchase: “I always wanted the range to be around and it to be open for the next generation. I wanted kids to have the same opportunity as me if they were interested.”

As Rickie Fowler continues to play golf and make a difference, his journey serves as an inspiration to young aspiring golfers. His determination, unique style, and connection to his Navajo heritage make him stand out in the world of sports. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or just starting to learn about the game, NDN All-Star #11 Rickie Fowler’s story is a reminder that with hard work and a strong sense of identity, anyone can achieve their dreams.

#ndnallstars #rickiefowler #navajo #PGA #heavyweight #golf

If you enjoy the content here and would like to help support our mission of celebrating great Native athletes of the past and present, please take a look at our NDN All-Stars Shop. Proceeds from every purchase help us continue to retell these stories. Also, if you would like to donate to this effort, please visit our Patreon page.
Thank you for your support!