by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
An accomplished two-sport senior star athlete finished her Haskell Indian Nations University athletic career. Cailey Lujan was a 5’10” middle hitter/outside hitter last fall of 2019 for the Indians volleyball team. She also was a forward on this season’s basketball team.
Cailey Lujan is Navajo. Her clan is Kinyaa’áanii. Her mother is Clarinda Tsosie and her father is Marc Lujan. Cailey attended Chinle High School in Arizona.
“I competed for Haskell Indian Nations University,” said Cailey. “I played volleyball and basketball for Haskell. I had many accomplishments over my four years there. I was named Player of the Week for both the NAIA Division we are in and our school athletics program, plus Honorable Mention for Conference, and 1st Team All-Conference.”
“I carry with me the saying from my tribe to ‘walk in beauty’ and it means many things in our tribe,” said Cailey. “I was taught that walking in beauty is to be in one with everything around you. It made me appreciate everything as athlete from our blessing to have the ability to play all the way down to the grounds we are playing on.”
“My coaches have encouraged me to keep trying and influenced me throughout my years,” said Cailey.
“Cailey Lujan had a positive presence on the court,” said Alta Malchoff St. Pierre, Haskell Indian Nations University Volleyball Head Coach. “Her attitude even on her harder days was grateful, and she always would have a smile on her face. When she would be at practice, she would continuously encourage her teammates.”
“Cailey worked hard for everything, even after a day of classes and work, she would still rush into practice making sure she put in her time and reps. Her commitment to the program is what supported her in her success with our team. You can tell she loves the game when she is playing on the court. I am so proud to have the time and opportunity with her. Cailey has a huge heart that she shows in everything she does,” added Coach Alta.
“Cailey has been an awesome person to know and to coach,” said Marwin Smiley, Director/Coach Native Adrenaline Volleyball Club. “I first met Cailey by chance at a coed volleyball tournament, her level of play at that time was superior than girls at her level and was surprised that she was a sophomore at the time. I and another coach, Lucia Bedonie, coaxed her and her mom to play club for us. At the time our club was known as 4 Corners Volleyball Club, but changed our name to Native Adrenaline Volleyball Club.”
“Cailey was very coachable and eager to learn, took all advice and also relayed the advice given to her to her peers. She took charge on and off the court. During games she would coach her teammates on how to correct their form, look for open areas and to cover areas. Her club teammates looked up to her for inspiration, it did not matter whether we were ahead or behind, her attitude was always upbeat, positive and energetic. At times, especially when we were behind, her attitude is all that was needed to boost the team moral. Cailey always gave more than what was asked of her,” added Coach Marwin.
“The key elements are her mother and her siblings with family first,” said Tim Su’e Su’e Liufau, former head football and softball coach at Chinle HS, AZ. “Cailey is a people’s person serving her community with passion, love, care and peace. She cared more for others then herself always trying to make others happy. I define Cailey in four words: Relentless-Loving-Human-Being.”
The holistic concept of wellness is based on physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health. “I physically go running, lift, and get any extra reps I could in on my off time,” said Cailey. “I would find time in between class, in the morning, in the evenings, on the weekends, anywhere I was able to find time.”
“Knowledge is ever-growing,” said Cailey. “There is always something new to learn. You have to remember to keep an open mind and be adjustable.”
“I connected my spirituality with my sport by praying before every game for my teammates, fans, coaches, and everyone that is attendance,” said Cailey. “I was taught to always keep a positive mindset and to always pray for everyone.”
“I remind myself that everyone had to work hard to get where they are, including myself,” said Cailey. “We can’t just give up or stop working just over an emotion that can be easily controlled. I was told over the years that there are two ways to respond to stress and frustration, let the stress control you and continue to be stressed, or use that stress and frustration to keep pushing forward to succeed.”
Cailey Lujan is pushing forward to succeed after college with a bachelors and eventually a masters degree … and she will always walk in beauty along her journey.
You are someone to be so proud of in the family. Your accomplishments will always be with you in future years. God has blessed you to be what you are a beautiful smart and a wonderful person. Hope to see you when all this is over. God bless and take care. Your Cuz. Susan