by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
High School native lacrosse players in the upper Midwest and northern Plains are continuing their education and athlete careers in college and universities.
Travis Brave Heart is Oglala Lakota. He is a 6’2, 19 year old, sophomore crease attack player at Emmanuel College in Georgia via Aberdeen Central HS, SD. He is the son of Troy and Denise Brave Heart.
Aberdeen is a long way from Franklin Springs, Georgia. The Emmanuel College Lions lacrosse team started their new season a few days ago with a 12-7 win versus Piedmont.
“As a Lakota person I was raised with our seven values,” said Travis. “Like humility, generosity, and respect. Those and the other four help define me as a person as well as a student-athlete when they push over onto the field and in the classroom.”
“Positive role models of mine include Lyle Thompson, Miles Thompson, Brendan Bomberry, and all pro-lacrosse players I looked up to growing up,” said Travis. “I thank Franky Jackson and Kevin “Hoch” Decora for giving me an opportunity to play.”
“During junior year of high school I was lucky enough to win the state championship at the varsity level of the Dakota Premier Lacrosse League (DPLL),” said Travis. “During the preparation of the next season, the news that we were no longer a part of the league was received. Personally that left me with no way to play for my senior season. Leaving me to practice in the back yard, while I go through the recruiting process.
Travis is continuing to get better and received an honor last season. “I received the Captains/Coaches Award at Emmanuel College and that is a team award,” said Travis.
Athletes share advice for others who want to follow in their footsteps. “Learn your priorities and keep them in order,” said Travis. “Don’t let academics fall behind because they’re the most important thing.”
Photo Credit: Travis Brave Heart
