by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
“When Miranda was a young girl I would tell her, ‘go far, far as you can’, so when she went to the University of Maine – Presque Isle my mom asked her why she went so far away and she said, ‘my mom said go far!’ I told Miranda I meant achievement-wise not distance-wise,” said Tanaes Washinawatok, mom of Miranda Washinawatok.
NCAA DIII Volleyball Player
“I play NCAA Division III collegiate volleyball, and I’ve been playing indoor since I was nine years old,” said Miranda Washinawatok. “Thankfully I have a family full of volleyball lovers that have either coached at the high school levels, gone to the North American Indigenous Games like myself, or even play in the summer on various leagues. I play a lot of beach or sand volleyball throughout the summers with my family. I’ve done that since I was 12 years old. I always accredit my family helping me get to where I am today.”
“I’m a six foot even, 165 lb., and an all around type of player,” said Miranda. “A majority of my career, even throughout high school, I was always utilized as an outside hitter. My senior year of high school I was a middle blocker for the sole fact I was the tallest during that fall season. Since being in college, I’ve learned and excelled in skills and IQ that has allowed me to play every position. My freshman year I was an outside hitter solely, my sophomore year I bounced between playing as an outside and a right side.”
“I’m a junior this academic school year at the University of Maine at Presque Isle,” said Miranda. “And this being my third season, we struggled trying to find the right lineup that mended chemistry between players that have been together for three years, and also trying to help better our new girls and get them familiar with our conference. My preseason was solely based on learning the setting position quickly. We had one setter at the time and needed a backup plan, so my coach had asked me if I’d step up and give it a try. Setting indoors is a lot different than setting while playing beach, there’s more footwork and skill to understanding how to be an asset on the court.”
“I place emphasis on this because setters are your quarterback on a volleyball team and they run your offense. So, for him to be able to ask me to take on a completely polar position than I’m used to being in, was so humbling, but yet mentally challenging. I’m appreciative of the opportunity, it taught me that I really am able to get a job done if I stay focused on the bigger picture, helping my teammates in whatever way you can,” added Miranda.
“This past season I also took on the role of playing libero for a game day. We were somewhere in New Hampshire I believe, my coach approached me after breakfast before getting on the bus to head to the venue. He said, “I need you to play libero, are you okay with that?” And I simply nodded my head, chuckled, because six-foot tall people don’t normally play defensive positions like that. But I made it work. Looking at the stats from that game, I led in digs, and I was able to get a few assists as well.”
“But other than those two positions I tried to play, I was utilized my junior season as a predominantly right side hitter, and if my coach needed me as a middle blocker if we played against tough teams, I also did that. I can’t ever really say I have one specific position, and I try my best to be versatile to be able to help my teammates,” added Miranda.
The following are Miranda’s college volleyball accomplishments:
Team Honors: 2019 and 2017, Most Inspirational; 2018 and 2017 Team Captain; and 2018 and 2017 MVP
Conference Honors: 2108 North Atlantic Conference Second Team; 2017 American Collegiate Athletic Association Conference First Team; 2017 ACAA Rookie of the Year; and ACAA Offensive Player of the Week (9/3/17)
In- and Off-Season Training
“As far as my current training, I go to the gym anywhere between three to six days a week to keep up with my endurance, shoulder and core strength,” said Miranda. “I try to get in about twenty to thirty minutes of cardio, whether I’m running or on a bike. My core routine isn’t too specific, but I aim to get about another thirty minutes of that in too, not everyday but at least three times a week. When you’re a tall player, hitting is what you’re more than likely going to do in volleyball. So, when you’re playing front row you’re responsible for blocking, hitting, being big and using strength. So bettering your shoulders and vertical are extremely important.”
“In the summer my training transitions to playing more than anything, and playing will enhance your IQ on the game. Beach volleyball alone is a workout on the legs, it’s great for overall physical training, it requires you to emphasize your loading before you jump, or if you have to run. Anyone that plays beach volleyball knows it’s difficult to run in sand. When it comes to volleyball you’re able to learn and train your body to understand the game by playing it. There’s a lot of reading your opponents physical movements, like range of motion, or their speed when it comes to attacking or setting a ball, and you learn to predict and be able to nearly expect what is coming across the net, by making yourself more aware.”
Menominee Tribal Identity
Miranda talked about her Menominee tribal identity: “Being Menominee on my mother’s side, I’ve always lived and have known the Menominee Reservation in Wisconsin as home. My mother has both Menominee and Ojibwe bloodline. My mother’s name is Tanaes Washinawatok, daughter of Karen and Allen Washinawatok. My family lives on the Menominee Reservation.”
“I do have a stepdad, whom I claim as my father. His name is Daniel Husby, and he too is Menominee. His side of the family lives within the northeastern region of Wisconsin. Wisconsin has always been where my family is from. And altogether, I am the oldest of four. So to me, I know I have a lot of responsibility that pertains to leading as a role model, and as an example to my younger siblings. And they are my greatest motivation, alongside my parents, and my grandparents. Without them in mind, college wouldn’t be as rewarding,” added Miranda.
“We as a people, the Menominee, place a lot of emphasis and importance on who we are,” said Miranda. “Whether that’s practicing traditional ceremonies or beliefs, or representing the tribe, to who you are as an individual being secure and confident in your inner being says a lot about a person. Menominee people are one of the oldest tribes in Wisconsin and to the Lake Michigan area. That’s what defines me as an athlete I believe. When someone asks me, what type of ethnic background I come from, I am always ready to say, ‘I’m Native American.’ And that pride is something I’ve had to learn to accept and become publicly aware of.”
“Now that I’m 20 years old, and have gone away for school in a predominantly white region of the US, I recognize the significance of indigenous people,” said Miranda. “In the respect that we are a minority to the minority demographic, on campus I am looked to as a poster child for Indigenous examples when the topic is brought up. And I take on that role with the most conscious, and self-awareness, in that I am hopefully doing my part as an educated Menominee. I come from a strong family. Being able to say that I am confident in my name, first and last, allows me to have this sense of will and inner strength to take on and accept challenges that have been thrown my way.”
Menominee Core Values and Athletic Connections
“Being respectful is another value of the Menominee that has gotten me recognition both on campus and on my reservation,” said Miranda. “I’ve learned to become open minded to others that cross my path, or even if it’s networking. Practicing respect has allowed me to become a people person. And that itself is a trait that is acquired, not all young folks can do that. From being a listening ear, curious of other cultures, to doing things that maybe I don’t want to but in order to benefit others or even yourself, you have to make adjustments. There’s no growth in comfort.”
“Due to injury, I didn’t start every game this past season, and I didn’t suit up for every game,” said Miranda. “That allowed me to not be so selfish in knowing what my stats are, or getting the most playing time in. I’ve learned how to become a teammate that puts my teammates first, and is verbal about their individual success. Volleyball has allowed me to be a leader and a role model.
“I reflect a lot on how different my life is since I was given the opportunity to play volleyball in New England,” said Miranda. “I am in a territory where European settlers first arrived. I’m not supposed to be here. When I look out in the mountains through Vermont or New Hampshire when we travel for volleyball, I often think, “look where you are, you’re living a life that your ancestors prayed for”. I crave success as a result of how well I do in volleyball and academia. And I hope to impose that ambition for others to become inspired.”
Seventh Grade Student Punished For Speaking Menominee In Class
“I went to Catholic school for about eight years,” said Miranda. “Going to church everyday, learning from a book, practicing writing, those are all things that were created and forced upon indigenous people to essentially wipe us out. That concept the Catholic Church tries to implement on Indigenous youth is that we’re savages or that we need education. And that’s not it at all. I use all the schooling and values I’ve come to learn about, as a reason to understand what my purpose is here on this Earth.”
In January of 2012, a 12-year old seventh grade Menominee student at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Shawano, WI, supported by the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay, was punished for speaking her native language to another student. The ensuing saga received international media attention including coverage by Fox News, NBC Sports and the Toronto Star. The student was Miranda Washinawatok.
Miranda was telling another student how to say ‘thank you’, ‘I love you’, and ‘hello’ in the Menominee language. The teacher, Julie Gurta, slammed her hands down on Miranda’s desk and said she wasn’t supposed to be speaking Menominee because she wouldn’t know if she was saying anything bad. Miranda was not allowed to play in a girls’ basketball game because Billie Joe DuQuaine, assistant basketball coach, said she had attitude issues. The teacher, Julie Gurta, the coach, Billie Joe DuQuaine, and the school had poor and inadequate apologies for the situation that led to more media attention. The Catholic News Service eventually reported the incident in its March 6, 2012 story, two months later, in an article titled, Diocese apologizes to student reprimanded for using her native language, at this link: https://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2012/diocese-apologizes-to-student-reprimanded-for-using-her-native-language.cfm
Miranda addressed the Sacred Heart Catholic School incident today: “For how sorrowful that moment was for my family and I, I think it’s been motivation for myself as I’ve aged. And that comes with the acceptance of how the world is always going to neglect to recognize indigenous people after the hundreds of years we’ve been assimilated and faced genocide. I’ve been asked to speak on that incident and it wasn’t until I came to college where I was able to fully comprehend that my feelings about it are valid. Throughout high school if someone brought it up, I became uncomfortable with having to talk about it. Being here in Maine, going to school and playing volleyball has allowed me to gain a strong sense of identity in that, everything that happens in life, creates you. So I am glad I had such a strong support system that helped me get through the entirety of that incident. I often wonder had that not happened, how different my life would be. Would I be as strong in my spirituality? Would I be as confident in my appearance? In regards that indigenous folks, we are very unique looking, and we stand out in crowds. Would I be as big of an advocate for native youth to pursue their dreams?”
Athlete Influences
“I look up to a former roommate of mine, who is also still a close friend, and teammate, Maddi Thweatt,” said Miranda. “We are a lot alike when it comes to the passion we have for the game, to our academic standings and campus involvement. We are a ‘powerhouse’ when we are on the court together. Humbly I say that. And that’s the type of teammate you need to have in order to better yourself. A great teammate is someone who not only challenges you to be better, but in return, they’re just as accepting of you challenging them.”
“Kobe Bryant has influenced me,” said Miranda. “His ambition, goals, and self-motivation influenced me that whatever I set my mind to, I can accomplish it. He’s retired now, but his dignity and strength are something to admire.”
“I look up to Lauren Carlini a lot,” said Miranda. “She played for the University of Wisconsin, and her sports accolades are extensive. She has received ESPY nominations, the James Sullivan Award, and she plays professionally now overseas. She’s played in the World Cup, FIVB National League and the Pan-American Cup. Her passion and love for the game is intense, and you see that in her playing. She is where I get a lot of motivation from, as a volleyball player. She is both competitive and striving for that first place spot, but also genuinely aligned with making sure her teammates are on the right
Environmental Science As a Major Study
Miranda is studying Environmental Science. “I had an Evolution course last semester, and our final presentation was the evolution of any topic,” said Miranda. “I chose the topic, Evolution of Genocide. I acknowledged that languages are extinct and rapidly diminishing, the effects of boarding school, to how blood quantum is this concept that makes Indigenous people a less populated demographic.”
“In high school I took broad introductory classes that really had an impact on me,” said Miranda. “It was in my Environmental Science class that I became interested in the topic more. Our first exercise was understanding and making vague calculations on our carbon footprint, that is when I realized how impactful I am to the world, since then, I’ve grown a certain type of love and appreciation for Mother Earth. I also took a Forestry class that played impact on my view of how significant trees are to the world. My biggest take away from that is, the resource of trees are being depleted at such a drastic rate that I am sure in my lifetime, we’ll lose certain species.”
“As an undergraduate, my courses have been nothing but an eye opener. I came into college already open minded and respectful of others and their beliefs. But, being at UMPI, learning from professors who have extensive and prestigious resumes, that is something I’ve learned to greatly appreciate as well. Actually, my professor (and faculty advisor) Dave Putnam is a big inspiration. He is a profound archaeologist, and an even more astounding advocate for Native Peoples,” added Miranda.
“As a third year student, I have taken so many courses that have given me background knowledge on what I’d like to narrow my Masters/Doctorate study on,” said Miranda. “It was Dave Putnam that I began to resonate with, he doesn’t like conventional learning, or what testing has become these days. His biggest lesson throughout the semester is that you learn something, he can teach or share his experiences on, or that you’re aware he will help you when deciding career paths or looking for what might be the better option for you. He’s allowed me to make potential Grad school connections, he’s taken us into the field for an archaeology class, he’s offered to help me write grants to be able to go on his field expeditions. For this upcoming summer I have begun to research what type of field school or program I’d like to get involved with. Currently, I’m thinking I’ll stay in the state of Maine and work on the coast with shell mitten research, or I’ll stay in the county I’m currently in and work alongside the Maliseet Indians and help reintroduce salmon.”
“Environmental science, for me, is a broad study that allows you to become versatile in a lot of different subjects. I’ve had courses in microbiology, evolution, archaeology, anthropology, energy, ethics, geology, meteorology, climate change, prehistory, and plant biology. Those are classes that are more major related. Next semester I have an environmental history course, geographic information systems (GIS), and an honors course (with Dave Putnam) based on his salmon contribution,” added Miranda.
Best Decision To Go To School In Maine
“If you have dreams and goals, having faith and patience in yourself is what determines how far you’ll go,” said Miranda. “Create a healthy mindset by surrounding yourself with a good support system, have good work ethic, and never stop growing as a person. Having confidence is the best trait someone can showcase, whether it’s there or not, you’ll be proud of what you’re capable of doing.”
“I went to school in Maine because I knew it would force me to have to grow. It was the furthest, most affordable university I could attend and still play volleyball. It’s been the best decision I’ve made in life. I’ve learned how to become independent and confident in myself because I’m creating this path for myself. Life is truly what you make of it.”
Jonathon Bowman, head volleyball coach, University of Maine – Presque Isle talked about Miranda: “She has been a cornerstone of the team since being a freshman. She was part of my first recruiting class here at UMPI. She has been named most valuable player, most inspirational player, and captain by her teammates. I never saw video of her before she came here. I just knew she was the captain of her North American Indigenous Games team and 6’ tall. We did physical testing in her first year and she was one of the best.
The first two years she played primarily as an outside hitter leading the team in kills and point scoring.”
“This past season she came into the season dealing with shoulder and knee injuries but still wanted to help the team in any way she could. This season she played as a setter, libero, middle blocker, and right side hitter. One of my goals and reasons for taking this job was to show that I could turn a program around. She is one of the main reasons why that happened. I believe teams are more successful when player-led and she has been one of those leaders,” added Coach Jonathon.
‘Coming into her senior year, we have 12 potential returning players, and we will have our best chance to win our conference and go to the NCAA tournament,” said Coach Jonathon. “Off the court, she works hard in the weight room, and in the classroom. Once her playing time is over, she could be a great coach.”
Mother Influence of Daughter
Mom Tanaes talked about her college volleyball daughter: “Her Indian name, or rather her spirit name, is Watsa Kosa Anaw, and it means Bright Star. Her Uncle Kanasa gave her that name before she could even walk or talk. He died when Miranda was a small girl but he’d be very proud of her accomplishments. I’m sure he’s supported her along the way. He was a gym teacher, taught at our local primary school and coached basketball.“
“Miranda is an important young lady in a very large extended family. Aunts, uncles, cousins and friends are always asking how she is doing and when she will be home next. She has younger cousins that have their own ideas of going places athletically and academically. Miranda is always happy to hear young goals being made, because that’s how it all started out for her. She was a little girl with a dream!” said Tanaes.
“Miranda’s sacrifices and hard work does not come without hardships,” said Tanaes. “She has been gone away to college for 2.5 yrs, a lot can happen in that amount of time. We’ve lost a few family members, there’s been time’s she’s been lonesome and wanted to come home. She’s had to make life decisions all on her own and she’s had life experiences she can only explain over the phone. Miranda has been out there surviving and thriving in the world. She’s had to adapt, be responsible and think rationally. She knows the work it’s taken to be where she is in life.”
“I’m so happy for her. She envisioned this life for herself long ago. She said in middle school, “I want to go away to college and I want to play ball”. She’s delivered those goals and smashed them, with awards and grades, and she’s been doing a great job making her mark in the world. I’ve watched her grow into a remarkable young adult,” added Tanaes.
“She has respect and compassion for her coaches and teammates, she always has,” said Tanaes. “She’s come to realize a long time back that there’s more that goes into a win or loss. It’s about enjoying opportunities given, learning along the way and making new friends. I’ve watched her appreciation grow of all that encompasses her path. She realizes not everyone is given the same opportunities. She understands she is where she is meant to be in life right now. Although she enjoys playing all around, she is usually an outside hitter, sometimes middle, and she has been a co-captain. This past season she had a chance to play libero. Miranda was excited that weekend and enjoyed ‘reading the game’ from a different perspective and being where she was needed to be on the court. She keeps her spirits up regardless of what the score is. I’ve watched her on live stream games and I’m always so proud of her hustle and positive energy she brings to the court. She’s had some long bus rides to other states. She’s had to get homework done while traveling to some of those away games. She also spent some time watching her team play from the sidelines due to some of the treatment and therapy for sports-related injuries. That helped her to see the game and plays differently. She enjoyed coaching a little before she left for college. That excites her, the idea of coaching girls whom maybe love the game just as much as she does. I proudly watched her assist with coaching duties, speaking up clearly, giving directions, and got right into formation and went right into rotation with them. She gave cues to her girls as they ran drills. Miranda could be heard encouraging girls to make adjustments such as, move up, get up there, there you go, be ready, nice up, that’s yours, who wants this, rotate. She was in her element and she loved it!”
“Miranda is the oldest of four children,” said Tanaes. “She is a role model to all of them, and her absence is felt heavily on holidays or weekends she can’t be home. Her brother says, “she’s goofy, she’s always saying something funny”. Her sister wears all her old tournament shirts and sweatshirts with pride. Their youngest brother attends Head Start, he repeats frequently “Miranda’s gone to school, Miranda plays ball”, and he waves at her and smiles when he sees her on FaceTime. I still remember the day she left for college: it was the most painful day of my life. I had to learn how to live without her in a new way, I still miss her tremendously daily. I once read “give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world” I bought my girl lots of volleyball shoes over the years, its true.”
“I think Miranda has a lot to offer and there’s much more to come,” said Tanaes. “She is an asset to her native community. She is out there building upon her skill sets daily. She wakes up early to work out, she tries to eat right, she keeps a sleep schedule, she studies hard, she still makes times for friends or to hang out, and in the past she’s held a work study job and usually has a great time doing it. I tell her when times get tough or if she gets a little discouraged “just remember you’re out there living your dreams, every day and sometimes it takes determination, you know its not easy.” She realizes the investment she’s made.”
“She is a strong supporter of our Indigenous Youth Athletes across the country. She keeps them dear to her heart and I think that’s because it helps give her strength. She knows all to well the struggles our Native people have faced when leaving home to pursue their dreams, they long struggled before her and she knows they’ll continue to come after her. I know she wishes for them success and happiness. I think it makes her feel like she’s not alone in that sense that they share that common ground, she can relate. She’s always spreading news of Native athletes. Miranda is loved beyond measure by her family and we wish her well in all that she does and pray she comes back to us safely,” added Tanaes.
Pleasure Being Her Teammate, Co-captain and Roommate
“I have had the pleasure of being her UMPI teammate, co-captain and her roommate,” said Maddi Thweatt.
“Mir is the ideal teammate I believe every coach and teammate should want on their team. She is driven, competitive, disciplined and leads with confidence that is contagious. I connect with her a lot because we have the same mindset concerning the game of volleyball and how important the game is in our lives. Her IQ of the game is incredibly high. Mir is the first person I go to when I need different views of the court, to ask what I am doing wrong and to also help me understand things. She is able to connect with players with such a wise mindset. I think a big aspect that stands out about Mir on our team is how good she is with her words to motivate all the girls and how calm she is in intense games. She is generally always the player who has a level head and who not only leads with her motivational words, but also with her actions. She is accountable and able to take criticism from not only Coach Bowman, but her teammates as well. She is an athlete you can throw on the court in ANY position and she will put 100% effort into whatever it is and also keep a calm, confident stature. She is someone who is always looking for ways to improve and to be better. Even if she is having a bad day or a rough game, she is still striving to make her teammates better and to play for her sister next to her,” added Maddi.
“I have played three seasons with Mir now and loved having her by my side for every practice, every game and even through life itself,” said Maddi. “We have grown close being teammates our freshman season to rooming together our sophomore season. I have gotten to know her on a personal level as well as a teammate level. She is beautiful inside and out and so passionate about whatever she does. You can hear the love of the game she has when she just talks volleyball. You can hear how much she respects her mother, adores her little brother and how much she enjoys her loved ones she surrounds herself with. I look up to Mir even though we have been co-captains in the past, I still continue to learn from her and I hope she does me. Even through injuries, Mir is always giving whatever she has for that day and performing to the best of her ability. She takes responsibility for her mistakes and makes a point to work on it. She is always willing to stay after practice and help anyone that needs it whether that is to sit and talk, toss some balls or take a couple swings, she is your girl.”
“It has been such an honor to play with someone so competitive and passionate about the sport of volleyball during my college career,” said Maddi. “I will forever be grateful to have played beside Miranda Washinawatok and I hope she knows how much of an inspiration she is and how much I respect her. We have one more season left of our careers and as sad as that may be, I’m happy to be ending it with someone I’ve had the incredible opportunity to grow with for four years.”
Photo Credit: Yvonne Hartridge and Mark Knight
