by By Dan Ninham
Lynden Harry, 20, lives on the Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon. She attended Madras High School in Madras, OR. Her mother is June Smith (Warm Springs) and father is Shawn Harry from Oklahoma (Yuchi).
“I am an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (Wasco, Paiute, Warm Springs),” said Lynden.
“I’ve been playing basketball and softball for several years,” said Lynden. “I started playing competitively in the 5th grade for my father on Sacred Thunder for both sports. I developed a passion for basketball more than I did for softball. I began basketball training with Daniel (DJ) Shaw when I was in the 8th grade and I have been working with him ever since. He has helped me in every aspect of my game and has been a great family friend.”
“In high school I was a varsity starter for the girls basketball team all four years,” said Lynden. “My freshman season going into my sophomore year I played for an AAU team called Team Fast where I learned a lot from my coach, Dewy Taylor, and I developed more as a player competitively.”
“In high school I was named 4A Tri-Valley Player of the Year three years in a row as an upper-classmen,” said Lynden. “I earned First Team All-state my senior year. I played at College of the Siskiyous (COS) where I earned Golden Valley League MVP my freshman season along with 3rd-team All-State and the Golden Valley All-League team. My sophomore season I also made the All League team.”
“I had 482 career assists at COS, I led California Community College players in assists each season. I graduated from COS with my associates in Kinesiology. I just committed to play at Warner Pacific University in Portland, Oregon where I will also be studying to become an athletic trainer,” added Lynden.
“Growing up on the reservation my tribal core values are having respect and being mindful of others,” said Lynden. “I have always had a great support system from my family and community. I have always been grateful to be surrounded by those that want to see people succeed and I always want to represent my people in the best way possible.”
“There have been many people that influence me as a student-athlete,” said Lynden. “The most influential people are my parents. They made a lot of sacrifices to make sure that my siblings and I were able to pursue our passion. They’re always pushing me to become the best person I can be.”
“Lynden has always known the expectations for her we’re high,” said mom June Smith. “Education was top priority. She was a great student throughout high school. She enrolled in a few college courses her junior and senior years to get ahead. As a student athlete she knew she had to stay on top of her work. Lynden was a quiet leader on and off the court. She was about hard work, determination, facing challenges and goals. Many of those same qualities she used as she transitioned to college. We are blessed as a family to have witnessed all her basketball and life experiences over the last six years. We are proud of her journey so far. She is one of many Natives’ that have dreams and goals to succeed.”
“Education is always talked about in my household along with basketball. Playing basketball won’t last forever but your education and knowledge will,” added Lynden.
“Daniel Shaw has also been influential, always willing to help with anything,” said Lynden. “He and his fellow trainers became a part of the community sharing their knowledge and skill work with children at our local community center.”
“Dewey Taylor, my AAU coach, helped me become confident as a point guard,” said Lynden. “He believed in me and was always talking with me, providing me with helpful tips. Playing for him really helped me grow as a player and as a leader.”
“All of my past experiences have helped guide me on my path in life,” said Lynden. “Growing up on the reservation, going to a public school off the ‘rez’, then eventually leaving my home to continue learning and doing what I love.”
“I, along with many other Native American athletes have had to overcome the stereotypes that come with being Native. Setting goals, surrounding myself with positive people and wanting to pursue my dream is what helped me persevere through it all,” added Lynden.
“I wasn’t expecting to become a role model to younger children from my community or to my younger family members but I understand it now,” said Lynden. “I am very thankful for all the support and encouragement over the years.”
Photo Credit: Jayson Smith
