“My culture is important to me. I want to inspire other girls to get out there and do what they love. There aren’t a lot of Native American girls out there hooping, I want to be someone that they can look up to,” said Kendra Littlewalker.
Littlewalker is a rising junior at Ponca City High School and a member of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma. Ponca Tribe is one of two federally recognized tribes of Ponca people.
While she hopes to inspire other Native American girls, there’s a unique story about Angel Goodrich nearly one-hundred miles away from her in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
In 2013, Goodrich was selected in the third round of the WNBA Draft as the 29th pick overall by the Tulsa Shock. At the time Goodrich was the highest-drafted Native American player in the history of the WNBA.
Littlewalker believes that basketball can help girls gain confidence. Says Littlewalker, “Being apart of the game allows girls to meet new players and improve their people skills and communication.”
She’s learned a lot through basketball: responsibility and accountability. “Hooping has taught her that nothing in life is handed to you.
“You have to work for what you want. I’m willing to take on any challenge — if I fail at least I know that I tried,” said Littlewalker.
She isn’t playing basketball because it’s someone else’s dream — she’s playing because it’s her own dream.
“I want to play for myself. Basketball is a passion of mine that I wanted to pursue. When I step on the court it’s for me,” said Littlewalker.
