by Press Release
(Okmulgee, OK) – Cici and Rick Schimmel, parents of the phenomenal Native American Schimmel sisters of the Louisville Lady Cardinals basketball team will make an appearance as guests of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Okmulgee High School’s Brock Gymnasium from 1pm until 4pm.
They will be presenting a motivational seminar and clinic targeted to youth, student athletes, parents, school officials and the public, in general. Shoni and Jude Schimmel are the two sensational sisters who have turned collegiate D-1 basketball on its ear with their talents. They both starred in their high school years at Hermiston High School on the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Northeastern Oregon and were both recruited heavily.
In the 2012 season, they sailed through the NCAA Tournament on their way to a runner-up finish. Along the way, they gained the attention of, not only their opponents but, the whole nation. They have been the source of pride and inspiration of Native American Tribes and youth as the first two Native ballers to reach the heights of NCAA D-1 contenders. Both girls were awarded the prestigious Phil Homeratha Award at the annual 2013 Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI). At that time, Shoni was representing the United States in the World University Games in Russia. Shoni is a Senior and Jude is a Junior at the University of Louisville.
Muscogee (Creek) Principal Chief George Tiger recognized this occasion to host the Schimmel parents as a tool in inspiring the Native youth of this area. Chief Tiger stated, “This is our chance to present an opportunity for our student athletes to be a part something that motivates them to excel in both the athletic and academic arenas”. Several Tribal programs including the Office of Public Relations, Tourism & Recreation, Department of Education-Johnson O’Malley, Community Research & Development and Mvskoke Media Communications Department are coordinating the promotion.
Although hosted by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation as an event that targets Tribal citizens, any other area youth or Tribal organizations are welcomed to attend this free presentation. At this writing, the #7 Louisville Lady Cardinals are 11-1 losing only to Kentucky. The Lady Cardinals are looking to avenge a 2012 loss to Colorado on Saturday, December 21st.
