Skyler Yazzie '23 Recruiting Profile

As a young man growing up as an American Indian, I dreamed of becoming an collegiate basketball player and successfully academically, following in the footsteps of my father, mother and uncles.  Bringing that dream to reality would take persistence on my part, as the norm for American Indians included many obstacles, including alcohol, drugs and limited educational opportunities.  However, I decided early on that I had a goal and there was no obstacle that I would allow to stand in my way.

I participate(d) in many Navajo and Comanche ceremonial traditions, including spending a great deal of time with my relatives  in what is known as a “sweat lodge.”  It was in these gatherings that I grew to love the basketball.  My father and uncles would tell us about their experiences growing up and always provide us with the life lessons that could be gleaned from each situation.  I was fascinated by the prospect of being able to help others, especially those individuals who were a part of my tribes (e.g. Navajo, Comanche and Meskwaki). 

My life has been difficult.  My parents divorced when I was young.  My father is currently assigned to the Pentagon and travels home every other week. I endur(ed) many challenges, including, many relocations in my young life, currently living in a Caucasian dominated town,  serving alongside my father as a military brat (being strong through all of the goodbyes, long periods of separation, and countless hours of anxiety when he is overseas), the death of multiple friends, family members, and teammates.  Many individuals would have let these obstacles keep them from their dreams, but they only made me a stronger person.  I realized that in order to help others in the future, I had to help myself through gaining a solid education.

In order to make my dream a reality, I involved myself in sports, most especially basketball.  Through my participation in this sport, I learned many lessons I otherwise would not have learned.  Throughout my life, my great-grandfather had told me stories of his involvement in the military in Northern Africa and of my great great uncle being one of the Native American Code Talkers in Europe during World War II, great uncles in Vietnam, and my father and aunt in the Middle East. My father, mother, aunt and uncle graduated from the US Air Force Academy. I am raised in a disciplined house and warrior ethos, told, “if you don’t want to make waves, be mediocre! Be normal. Fit in. And once you’ve naturalized your uniqueness, you don’t need courage. It takes courage to be different. It takes courage to be successful. It takes courage to win. Do you have courage?”

I am courageous. I want to be a positive role model for the other youth on the Navajo reservation and Indigenous People, showing them that any dream they have is within their reach.  My desire is to give back to my community and instill values of community service, education and succeeding despite the odds.