Search Results

Kelvin Sampson Category Coach Tribe Lumbee Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 10/5/1955 Kelvin Sampson (Lumbee, North Carolina) is a 33-year head coaching veteran at Houston, Indiana, Oklahoma, Washington State and Montana Tech. Sampson has compiled a 681-336 record during his career. He has led his teams to 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 11 in 12 years with the Sooners from 1994 to 2006. During his Oklahoma tenure, he guided the Sooners to 10 consecutive 20-win seasons, the 1999 Sweet 16, the 2002 Final Four and an Elite Eight appearance in 2003. Sampson is one of only 15 coaches in NCAA history to lead 4+ schools to the NCAA Tournament. With the Cougars’ run to the 2021 NCAA Final Four, Sampson became one of only 16 coaches to lead multiple schools to the Final Four. In only seven seasons at Houston, Sampson is the only coach in school history to lead the Cougars to six consecutive 20-win seasons and became the second-winningest coach in program history during the 2020-21 season. He already ranks as the school’s career leader with a .723 winning percentage. In his career, he has been named a National Coach of the Year four times. Sampson has received six conference Coach of the Year awards from four different leagues and guided every program he has led to multiple 20-win seasons during his stints. As a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Sampson is the first and only Native American basketball coach to lead a program to the Final Four with the Oklahoma Sooners 2002 and Houston Cougars 2021. Home 2026 Banquet 2026 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

< Back Ray Miller Ray Miller Shawnee Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Ray Miller was born on November 8, 1969, in the southwestern Oklahoma town of Marlow. His dad was a carpenter and mom was a housewife. Miller gained his first state title in fifth grade. He won another grade school state title in sixth grade and then went on to win three junior high state titles in seventh, eighth and ninth grade. He finished out high school with three state titles, two times ending up as the outstanding wrestler of the tournament, and in his senior year being voted the outstanding wrestler of Oklahoma. During his senior year he was invited to wrestle in the Pittsburgh Classic and it pit what were voted as the best senior high school wrestlers in the United States against Pennsylvania teams in one big dual meet. He won defeating Troy Sunderland of Pennsylvania. It was at the Pittsburgh classic that he would meet his future coach Bobby Douglas. That's when everything came full circle because when he was a child he grew up on Bobby Douglas's wrestling books, The Takedown 1 and The Takedown 2. Miller studied the books while growing up and had already trained to Coach Douglas's style. He ended up signing with Arizona State and Coach Bobby Douglas. He spent the next five years, redshirting his freshman year, honing his skills under Coach Douglas and then his senior year under Coach Leroy Smith. Miller ended up with four All American titles being a two time finalist and attaining a national title in 1993 at 167 lbs. He coached at Arizona State for another year and then moved back to Oklahoma and coached at the University of Oklahoma for another year and a half. He currently lives back in his home town of Marlow and helps out with the wrestling program whenever he can. <Back

< Back Bradley Scott Croaker Bradley Scott Croaker Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Bradley Scott Croaker was born August 31, 1976 in Bemidji,f Minnesota to Wanda Faye Headbird and William Leland Croaker. He is a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. He was raised alongside his older sister Andrea and older brother William Jr. At the young age of nine years old Brad began his boxing adventure with the Leech Lake boxing club. His father William and Henry Harper were his coaches throughout his boxing career as he had many others along the way that helped him achieve his accolades including two older brothers William Jr. and Archie Larose. He boxed amateur for 15 years before taking time off to work and raise his family. Within those 15 years Brad earned his nickname of Ogichida by winning multiple local, state, regional, and national titles to he credits. He finished with an amateur record of 134 wins and 12 losses with 50+ KOs. He then turned professional at the age of 27 where he finished with a record of 4 wins 0 losses and 1 draw. As an amateur some of his credits included three National Silver Gloves titles at 80lbs, 119lbs, and 156lbs. Other accomplishments included multiple National Indian Jr. and Sr. Championships, 1992 National Junior Olympic runner up, 1993 North American Indigenous Games 156lb Champion, 1993 State Golden Glove 156lb Champion, and 1994 and 1995 State Golden Glove 165lb Champion. In 1995 Brad qualified for the National Golden Gloves tournament in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he finished as runner up, competing against every states best 165lb boxer. Throughout his boxing career Brad continued playing other sports and had some injuries which would prevent and delay him from continuing his boxing career. Brad said he pushed hard and finished where he needed to, not necessarily where he wanted to, in his career, to not only make a name for himself in the sport but to also put Leech Lake on the map and show others the relentless will power of all Native Americans past present and future. Brad’s wife is Lori and they have five children - Bradley, Jennalee, Brody, Rasean and Devante. <Back

< Back Jesse Cockney Jesse Cockney Inuit Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Jesse Cockney is an Inuit cross-country skier from Yellowknife, NWT. Jesse competed at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics and raced the internationally for Canada on the World Cup circuit from 2011-2018. Jesse’s career highlights include nine National championships, four top-10 finishes at the World Cup and the overall NorAm champion for 2012-2013. Jesse retired from the Canadian ski team in 2018 and began coaching junior athletes with his local ski club, Foothills Nordic in Calgary, AB. Jesse began studying kinesiology at the University of Calgary in 2018 and graduated with distinction in 2022. Jesse is currently working towards a master’s degree at the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. Jesse shares his passion for sport and healthy lifestyles with youth through Classroom Champions. Classroom Champions pairs Olympians with classrooms in Canada and the United States to share lessons on goal setting, community and resiliency among others. Photos: Jesse coaching Foothills Nordic Ski Club in 2019. (Credit: Doug Stephen) Jesse winning the 2019 NorAm skate sprint in Canmore, AB. (Credit: Doug Stephen) <Back

Orin Lou Askenette <Back Menominee Induction Category: Year Inducted Coach 2025 Orin “Lou” Askenette, was a retired Oneida Nation security officer and former boxer, trainer, referee and coach. Lou was a legendary boxing coach whose dedication and ability shaped the careers of countless champions. With over 50 years in the sport, he has made an indelible mark on boxing. Lou’s work in molding and shaping fighters has helped them prepare for life responsibilities while building careers promoting positive life skills. Lou has played a strong role in many lives, mentoring men and women warriors of Indian Country. Lou began his boxing career fighting on his father’s boxing team, the Menominee Indian boxing club. In 1959 in Fond du Lac, WI, Lou won the 135 lbs. Championship; in 1961 he won the open division tournament at Fond du Lac at 126 lbs. At the age of 18 he joined the military and from 1963 to 1967 he fought on the United States Air Force boxing team. After his military career he joined the Wisconsin Boxing Referee Association, where he was a well-known boxing official. In 1973 he started his coaching career at the Oneida Boxing Club on the Oneida Indian Reservation in Wisconsin and was recruited by Chairman Purcell Powless. In 1977 he co- founded and coached the Soaring Eagles Boxing Club in Green Bay, WI, and he continued recruiting and training amateur and professional boxing careers. Lou has coached and trained several fighters including Carlos Molina, Harry “The Hammer Funmaker, Ernie “Big Cat” Stevens Jr., Roger Ponfil, Chuck Ponfil, Joey Christjohn, Kelly Stevens, Paul “Bad Horse” Stevens, Matt Denny, DJ Denny, Tim Tomashek, Todd Moon Hill, Rory Hill, Mel Smith, Earl Smith, Paul Danforth, Buggs Danforth, John Maino, and others.

< Back Kali “KO” Mequinonoag Reis Kali “KO” Mequinonoag Reis Seaconke Wampanoag Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2022 Kali “KO” Mequinonoag Reis hails from East Providence RI, is a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe and is the first Indigenous Woman fighter to become a World Champion. As a Professional Boxer, Reis has attained six World Titles in two weight classes and is currently the WBA, IBO and WBO Super Lightweight World Champion and is on the “Road to Undisputed”. Kali made history when she participated in HBOs’ first ever Women’s televised in 2018. She uses her boxing platform to spread awareness on various issues such as the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women). Living up to her given name Mequinonoag, translated to Many Feathers/Many Talents, Kali is a certified Motorcycle/Small Engines Technician and has worked as a Residential Counselor since 2009. She has found healing in sharing her story and mentoring troubled youth with a relatable approach, as well as traveling to speak with and support various communities in hopes of being a positive example to “Never throw in the towel no matter what punches life throws at you”. In 2021, Kali made her acting debut with the lead role in the film ‘Catch the Fair One; in which she also received a writer’s credit. This film highlights the MMIW epidemic & earned a Special Jury Mention award at the Tribeca film festival. Recently, an Indie Film Spirit Award nominee for Best Female Lead Actress was announced for Reis’ performance. This mixed Cape Verdean/Native American has a “Voice for the Voiceless.” <Back

< Back Ahman Green Ahman Green Choctaw Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Following an outstanding 12-year career in the NFL, All-Pro running back Ahman Green established himself as a successful football analyst, eSports authority and gamer, coach and philanthropist. Drafted in the third round (76th overall) by the Seattle Seahawks in 1998, Green played two seasons for the team before being traded to the Green Bay Packers in time for the 2001 season. An anchor of the team’s offense, Green was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro and was named the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2003. He set numerous team records during his eight seasons with Green Bay, including the most touchdowns in a season, the most rushing yards in a game and the longest run from scrimmage, among others. He remains the Packers’ all-time rushing leader and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2014. Green also played two seasons for the Houston Texans. He retired as a member of the Packers in 2011. Green was one of the greatest running backs in University of Nebraska history, leading the school to two national championships (1995 and 1997). A standout running back and three-year starter, Green was named to the First Team All-Big Eight in 1995 and First Team All-Big 12 and Second Team All-American in 1997. He is the Huskers’ third all-time rushing leader. A member of the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame, Green set the Orange Bowl single game rushing record with 206 yards on 29 carries with two touchdowns in the Huskers’ national championship win over Tennessee to finish the 1997 season. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Green spent part of his childhood in Los Angeles before returning to Omaha for high school, where he earned honors as a USA Today and Parade All-American First Team selection and the Gatorade Circle of Champions Nebraska Player of the Year at Omaha Central. A versatile athlete, Green also excelled on the track, winning state championships in the 100m, 200m and 400m relay in his senior year. Off the field, Green was a state Academic All-American as well. Green is strongly committed to giving back to the community and established the Ahman Green Foundation, which is devoted to enhancing the quality of life for children and families that have been impacted by hardship or terminal illness. In addition to his work with his foundation, Green is actively involved with helping many worthy organizations including the Alzheimer’s Association, Make-A-Wish, Wounded Warriors and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wisconsin and Nebraska. Green and his wife, Marie, reside in Richmond, Texas, and are parents to five children. <Back

< Back Dean Hill Dean Hill Mohawk Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2022 Dean Hill excelled at hockey and lacrosse growing up in the Six Nations of the Grand River community. Hill enjoyed a very successful Jr. B lacrosse career with the Six Nations Rebels and the St. Catharines Spartans, which led him to being drafted by the Minnesota Swarm of the National Lacrosse League. Hill would play 10 seasons in the NLL recording 247 points in the regular season and adding 12 more in the playoffs. Hill was known as a power play specialist who many considered to have the best one-timer in the game. In his second NLL season he led the Minnesota Swarm with 32 goals with 12 of them coming on the power play. Hill won a Canadian University Lacrosse Championship with Brock University and a Canadian Sr. B Championship with the St. Regis Braves. He also helped the Iroquois Nationals win two Silver Medals at the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in 2007 and 2011. In the 2007 gold medal game with Canada leading the Iroquois 14-13, Dean Hill scored with 5 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game. Canada would go on to win the game 15-14 in sudden death overtime. That game is still considered one of the most thrilling indoor lacrosse games ever played. Hill was known for being a great teammate and for his high lacrosse IQ. Upon his retirement from playing he made a seamless transition from player to coach and embarked on a very successful coaching career. He won two Canadian Championship Minto Cups with the Six Nations Jr. A Arrows in 2015 and 2017 and led the Six Nations Rebels to a silver medal finish in the Founders Cup Jr. B Canadian Championships in 2019. Sadly, Dean Hill passed away due to complications in his sleep September 6, 2021 at the age of 36. <Back

< Back Gewas Schindler Gewas Schindler Oneida Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2022 Gewas Schindler is a Haudenosaunee Oneida Nation citizen and a member of the Turtle Clan. He grew up playing multiple sports under the tutelage of his grandfather, Chief Paul Waterman, on the Onondaga Nation. Gewas played the Creator’s game, this game has world-renowned origins within the Haudenosaunee culture known as Dehontsigwiseh - "bumping hips" is called lacrosse, currently played collegiately, internationally, and at pre-Olympic levels today. Gewas worked for the National Hockey League Phoenix Coyotes and the National Lacrosse League Arizona Sting in marketing, the professional Rochester Nighthawks Lacrosse organization as Governor and he served five years on the National Lacrosse League Board of Governors along with serving on their Marketing Committee, Player Relations Committee, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement Unit. In 2012 Gewas Schindler received the NCAIED (The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development) 40 Under 40 National Business Award, and the Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce Award in 2010. Gewas Schindler attended Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland, concentrating in Communications and Marketing. As a student-athlete at Loyola, he earned lacrosse accolades earning 3X Division 1 All American Attackman awards. He was a 3X Iroquois Nationals World Team Captain who worked as a professional athlete in the National Lacrosse League and the Major Lacrosse League for eight years. Gewas Schindler competed in seven more World Lacrosse Championships and made eight Iroquois National World Team Rosters. In 2021, as General Manager, the Haudenosaunee U-15 Team won a Gold Medal in the IIJL World Championship, and the Haudenosaunee U-17 Team followed with a Gold Medal. Gewas’ role as an organization builder for youth lacrosse led him to serve as a Lacrosse Ambassador traveling to numerous countries such as Australia, Japan, Thailand, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, England, Mexico, Switzerland, Haudenosaunee, Indigenous Territories, Canada, and the United States to support, advise, and to leave a sport the indigenous people gave to the world community of lacrosse. Gewas’ family includes his wife Tia, and four children, Lawson, Madex, Kohen, and Kimaura. <Back

Katie Taylor Category Athlete Tribe Lac Courte Oreilles Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 5/29/98 Katie Taylor is a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Ojibwe. She is a six-time All American and a National Champion. In high school, she competed in basketball and track for Hayward High School (WI). In 2014, she was the Wisconsin Division 2 State Runner-up in the shot put and discus. She graduated from college in 2021 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, which focuses on three areas of study including Math, IT, and Indigenous Studies. Her future goals include becoming fluent in her native Ojibwe language and relearning cultural significances she has lost over the years. Katie is in her senior season at Minnesota State University – Mankato. In the 2021 Outdoor season, she was named First Team All-American in the discus throw after finishing fifth at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships while also competing in the shot put and finishing 14th. She earned all-conference honors in the shot put, hammer throw and discus throw, finishing fourth in all three events at the NSIC Outdoor Track and Field Championships. She set career bests in the discus throw at 49.85m (163'6") and hammer throw at 55.54m (182'3") at the Maverick Classic. During the 2021 Indoor season, she earned the national championship in the weight throw, setting a school record with a throw of 21.17m (69'5.5") at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships. She earned first-team All-American honors in the shot put, finishing seventh at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships. She also earned all-conference honors in the shot put and weight throw, finishing fourth and second respectively at the NSIC Indoor Track & Field Championships. During the 2020 Indoor season, she earned all-conference honors in the shot put and weight throw, finishing fourth in both events at the NSIC Indoor Track & Field Championships. In 2017, Katie was Indoor Shot Put NSIC Champion while attending Winona State University. She was the 2017 Indoor Weight Throw 3rd place at NSIC Championships, the Outdoor Shot Put 3rd place at NSIC Championships, the Outdoor Discus 3rd Place at NSIC Championships and 2017 Outdoor Shot Put 3rd Place at the NCAA Championships. Home 2026 Banquet 2026 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More

< Back Phyllis Bomberry Phyllis Bomberry Cayuga Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Phyllis Bomberry was a former Canadian softball player who was born in 1942 at the Six Nations of the Grand River in southwestern Ontario. She was a Cayuga woman of the Wolf Clan and emerged as a star athlete in the 1950s. She played women’s intermediate softball with the Ohsweken Mohawks and helped the team win back-to-back provincial Intermediate B championships in 1960 and 1961. After moving to Toronto to complete high school, she was quickly recruited to play catcher for the Carpetland Senior A Team in the Ontario Senior Women’s League. She helped the Carpetland team win Canadian Softball Championships in 1967 and 1968, and was named Top Batter, All-Star Catcher, and most valuable player (MVP) in 1967, and All-Star Catcher again in 1968. In 1968, Phyllis became the first female recipient of the Tom Longboat Award, established in 1951 to recognize outstanding Indigenous athletes in Canada. She won a gold medal at the first Canada Summer Games in 1969 and she was named the Canadian MVP and All Star Catcher. Phyllis Bomberry was posthumously inducted into 2023 Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in the Athlete category. <Back

Rob McClain Category Athlete Tribe Muscogee Creek/Red Lake Ojibwe Year Inducted 2022 D.O.B. 10/11/1998 Rob McClain started his athletic career in Red Lake, Minnesota. There he was a three sport athlete that excelled in Football, Golf and especially Basketball. Red Lake High school is where Rob played on the team varsity team for four years and went to the state tournament each of the four years. In his final two years of high school his team finished with a top four finish at state. He concluded his high school career with over 1500 points and 1300 rebounds. Rob played junior college basketball at United Tribes Technical College the next two years. He scored over 1000 points, was named all-conference two years in a row and also named an All-American in his second year playing there. He played well enough to garner attention from many NCAA Division I and II schools. He played his final two years of college basketball for the NCAA Division 1 school University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) coached by the late Lew Hill. Rob graduated from UTRGV in May of 2021 with his degree and is now back at United Tribes as an assistant coach on the Men’s Basketball team. Home 2026 Banquet 2026 Banquet Sponsorship About Inductee Search Provincial Nominees Contact More