by By Dan Ninham
Naomi Wawaskones Plant, 22, is studying biology at Aquinas College. Her graduation date is in May of 2022. During the one part of the day she’s a college student. On another part of the day she’s a member of the Aquinas College lacrosse team.
“My Indian name is Nibi Binesiinh, which means Waterbird,” said Naomi.
“Through my mom’s side I am a member of the Anishinaabe Ojibwe from the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory representing the Turtle Clan,” said Naomi. “From my dad’s side I am a member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Montana and Lower Nicola Thompson Salish residing in British Columbia.”
Naomi grew up playing lacrosse in Arlee, Montana. She is a long ways from home to college in Grand Rapids, MI.
“My older brother, Al Plant, got me into lacrosse when I was in middle school,” recalled Naomi. “My favorite athletic accomplishment was getting a bronze medal playing box lacrosse for Team BC at the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). This was the first-year women’s box lacrosse event that was incorporated into the games, and it was an honor to play.”
“I was raised going to the sweat lodge with my grandparents,” said Naomi. “I learned to be grateful and give thanks. I am grateful for all the opportunities the Creator has given me. I love playing lacrosse and I’m grateful for all the experiences playing the game has given me.”
“I also grew up with Catholic teachings, going to church every Sunday. Usually showing up on Indian time but making it none the less,” added Naomi.
“A life lesson I learned was commitment,” said Naomi. “To always finish what is started. This has pushed me through the less fun things about lacrosse like early morning practices, long runs and playing through some pretty crazy weather.”
“As an athlete I always looked up to my brother’s,” said Naomi. “Both of them inspired me to reach for more.”
“My thought process is if they can do it, I know I can. This is how I ended up in wrestling, competitive weightlifting and playing lacrosse. My next goal is winning an Iron Woman at a pow wow.” “Naomi is our youngest child,” said mom Aileen Plant. “She has two older brothers, David and Al. Both sons were athletic and mulita-sport athletes. Naomi was inspired by them and witnessed their dedication and success in their sports of wrestling, Jujitsu and lacrosse. Due in part by my husband, Albert. Their dad made the time to coach and practice with all our children. I believe one of Naomi’s biggest drive to be a good lacrosse player is her determination.”
“Our family and I were thrilled to learn lacrosse was starting in Missoula, MT,” said Aileen. “This happened around 12 years ago. The Creator’s game had a different meaning for our family and I. Naomi learned the significance of lacrosse to the Haudenosaunee Nation. It was empowering for her.”
“Naomi embraced lacrosse,” shared Aileen. “She even shared her knowledge of lacrosse with others. She volunteered and taught lacrosse skills at schools and cultural camps on the Flathead Indian Reservation. When Naomi got old enough she would drive herself and two other teammates 40 minutes to get to lacrosse practice. To me, this showed her dedication to her sport.”
“Naomi has been playing for me for three years now,” said Angelica Gero, Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach, Aquinas College. “It has been such a pleasure to watch how much she has grown over this time. She has become a very influential and well-rounded member of our team. She is a natural on-field leader because lacrosse practice brings out the best in her, she has mastered the balance of working hard and having fun during practice, and that energy is contagious.”
“As far as lacrosse specifically goes, Nae is a strong and powerful low attacker, with a great drive and finish. She has worked very hard this year to be more multifaceted and has become an incredible threat on the draw circle, and the ride. She has also become an athlete that we can count on to handle the ball and control the offense,” added Angelica.
“My favorite thing about Nae is that she knows no limits,” said Angelica. “She still has a ton of growing to do in lax and life, and she is aware and willing to do it, making her a very fun person to play alongside and to coach.”
Cherilyn Billy was the team manager for North American Indigenous Games inaugural U19 female box lacrosse team. Cherilyn also formed the Storm Selects Lacrosse Society. Naomi played on the box lacrosse team that went to Six Nations to play in the nation’s lacrosse tournament. Naomi never played box lacrosse but that didn’t stop her from making the team.
“Naomi would always find a way to learn something if she didn’t know it,” said Cherilyn Billy. “She was a leader on the floor because of her positive energy and willingness to share in the success.”
“I know when I met her when the first inaugural Team BC U19 Female Box category was introduced. She never missed a practice. She always brought 100 per cent,” added Cherilyn.
Student-athletes have made changes preparing themselves during this pandemic time in practice and competition.
“Last year our season started right as Covid-19 hit the states, so our season was cancelled,” said Naomi. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to play this semester. It was tough getting used to the protocols at first, but after a few weeks it became routine. Right now, we get tested three times a week, and during practices and games face masks are required. Also, full contact is limited to 14 minutes.”
“This year we were able to place as the second seed in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) division,” said Naomi.
The team ended the season 6-4 in the second round of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference division tournament. On the season, Naomi started each of the ten games. She scored 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points.
Naomi is continuing on her journey playing lacrosse and pursuing college studies in Michigan.
Photo Credit: Matt Yeoman, Aquinas Athletics
