I would like to say thank you ITA Native Sports for giving me an opportunity to run for National Native American Player of the Year and represent my community. Basketball has been there for me all my life, it’s my getaway, my first love, my passion. My ideal is to give people inspiration and creativity with the way I perform. Such as the role models I looked up to as a young kid growing up. Hard work and mentality is everything I build upon. Wether it’s putting in the extra miles, doing one more sled pull, or having that one last feeling good type shot. Having the right mentality & mindset helped me overcome many obstacles not just in basketball, but in life as well. Throughout my 4 years of high school varsity basketball each season I’ve managed to improve. I helped lead my team to a 27-5 overall record and made a final 4 appearance for the first time since 1980. I averaged 20.2 points, 7.1 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game. I was named 4A Grand Canyon Region Player of the Year, 4A Grand Canyon Offensive Player of the Year, two-time Arizona Daily Sun Player of the Year (2016, 2017) and Navajo Times Player of the Year and All-Star. I was part of the 4A first team All-Conference and 4A Grand Canyon first team All-Region in Arizona. Like they say “it takes a whole village to raise a child”. My performances is credited to all of my influencers; family, coaches, teammates, & fans. Because of them I am the player I am to this day. Thank you, and it would be an absolutely honor to be your National Native American Player of the Year. Ahéhee

-Jacqulynn Nakai