by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Alexis Desjarlait is a sophomore 5-9 small forward at Hibbing Community College, Hibbing, Minnesota. She is the daughter of Nicole and Nolan Desjarlait of the Red Lake Sovereign Nation (Ojibwe), Red Lake, MN.
“I am proud to be Anishinaabekwe from the Red Lake Sovereign Nation which means everything to me,” said Alexis. “My ancestors worked hard to keep what we have, and it is my duty to carry on our traditions. Our history and the generational trauma our people endure make me want it more. These are aspirations to go further and beyond.”
“In the future, I plan to come back to my community, share my knowledge and help out in any way that is needed. Not only with my peers but the youth, they are the next generation. Athletics not only keeps me busy, but it also keeps me healthy. Being a student athlete has many sacrifices but it is all worth it at the end of the day,” added Alexis.
“At Red Lake High School, I was the first all-around athlete to letter in three sports since the 7th grade. It was a lot of work, time, and dedication to even play at the varsity level when you’re in middle school. Being the first all-around athlete I received a plaque of recognition for my hard work and dedication to the Lady Warrior family.”
“My family’s support and having faith and believing in me is amazing,” said Alexis. “I owe it all to my parents, sisters and to my late baby brother Nolan Jr.”
Mom Nicole talked about her daughter’s athletic background: “Alexis joined organized ball at a young age. We formed Red Lake Little Lady Warriors for grades K-5, which emphasized the basic fundamentals in volleyball, basketball and softball. With a goal of team building, bully prevention and ultimately forming a state bound girls’ team. Alexis was the first athlete from RLHS to play at a varsity level for all three sports since 7th grade. Alexis is from the very few Red Lake Elite group to be the first to sign letter of intents to play college basketball. Alexis is compassionate and a role model for all youth and displays strong leadership skills. When Lexi was too old to participate in the Little Lady Warriors she became my assistant coach. Now that Lexi is a coach, she has proven to be very constructive as a coach, and she’s a good coach. The kids really listen to her.”
“I’m proud to hear feedback from others in the community on how well she coaches the young ladies. Alexis is a big sister to Skylar 6, Emerald 3, and Aishja 2 and the late Nolan Jr. Alexis has two brothers adopted in the Anishinaabe way, Gerald Kingbird Jr. and Brayden Beaulieu. Alexis is a respectable young lady. She is a traditional jingle dress dancer like her grandmother and backup singer to the drum. She has earned all princess titles offered in Red Lake; Red Lake Elementary Princess, Jr. Miss Red Lake Nation. Miss Ponemah Labor Day Princess and Miss Red Lake Nation. One must hold and present themselves with the utmost respect, and she still walks that way,” added Nicole.
“Coming from Red Lake where basketball is everything, Lexi finished her school career with 2190 points and 995 rebounds. Lexi has been playing sports since she was learning how to walk. I’m the AD at the high school and varsity girl’s assistant basketball coach and her Mom is the Little Lady Warriors Coach. Lexi has been in the gym all her life
and has played on several traveling teams while growing up, from Grand Rapids, Cass Lake, Minneapolis, South Dakota and Nebraska. She also played for the AAU travel team MN Comets. Lexi is also a champion pow wow dancer in the community, and she has won every pow wow princess title there is in our community. She is a role model to the youth,” added Nolan.
Changes may be common at community colleges year-to-year and season-to-season. Last year’s head coach and some players have moved on. A new head coach and new players have arrived. Freshman to be sophomore players are mostly still on board. The team moves onward with proven leadership.
“I contribute to the team the experience I’ve had from the previous year, positive encouragement, leadership skills, and by being a versatile player,” said Alexis.
“Alexis Desjarlait is a very competitive player,” said Kasey Palmer, first year head women’s volleyball and basketball coach at Hibbing Community College. “She is not afraid to be vocal. I expect her to help transition the incoming freshmen from high school to college basketball. So far she hasn’t disappointed. Alexis has taken charge in helping her teammates with any questions they have, and also in setting up open gyms.”
“On the court, Alexis brings a lot of experience. Last year, she helped bring the Hibbing Community College Cardinals to a conference championship, and a trip to the national tournament. Alexis earned multiple honors throughout the season. She was a First Team selection to the 2018-2019 MCAC Women’s Basketball Northern All Division Team, as well as a selection for the MCAC All-State First Team. Alexis was also named as an NJCAA Region XIII 2018-2019 Women’s Basketball Division III All Region Team,” added Coach Kasey.
“This year, named as a captain of the 2019-2020 Hibbing Cardinals, Alexis will be expected to not only lead the team vocally but in physical play,” said Coach Kasey. “Alexis is aggressive and competitive. She’s willing to play all parts of the game. Offensively she can handle the ball, score inside and outside, rebounds, and also makes defensive plays.”
The support of family extends to community members and teammates. All support is needed and necessary to be successful. College athletics are ways to move to the bigger picture in athletes’ life journeys.
“Alexis has a strong will and determination to be the best she can be as an Anishinaabekwe, student-athlete and big sister,” said Susan Ninham, former principal, Red Lake Middle School and forever fan. “I’ve watched her grow and develop into the sweet, strong empowered woman who will bring back so much to our people.”
“She’s a good team player & shows leadership,” said HCC teammate Klaryssa Whelan. “She has the ability to drive, shoot, or fly down the court. She also does well on the boards and is good at second chance points.”
“Last summer Lexi helped me with a basketball camp I had,” said Tara Graves of Red Lake. “It was for the younger girls. She is a very good role model and used some of the drills she learned in college and modeled for the girls. They look up to her and would really listen to what she had to say and offer. Lexi values her education. Her basketball talent comes natural to her. Skies the limit in everything she does. Lexi makes me so proud! She’s such a go-getter.”
“Being on a team with Alexis coming in a second year has been good,” said HCC teammate Savannah Deragon. “Not only as a teammate but as a fellow Anishinaabe Ikwe, Alexis is a leader. She motivates us to work harder and do best no matter what comes in the way. She is a very competitive athlete and keeps us going no matter how the ending of the game may be looking.”
