by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Haile’ Chase-The Boy is enrolled on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in north-central Montana. She is an enrolled Gros Ventre member and also Assiniboine, Aaniiih, Mandan, Blackfeet and Chippewa Cree. Claiming her maternal side, she comes from the Canoe Paddlers From Down Below.
“My Indian name is Wîhkaskwa Iskwew meaning ‘Sweetgrass Woman’,” said Haile’. “I am 19 years old and I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My mother’s name is Vernelle Chase.”
Haile’ is a 5-7, freshman basketball player at Rocky Mountain College (RMC) in Billings, Montana. She attended Hope Christian HS (NM).
She maintains a 3.6 grade-point average. In high school, she made four state appearances, winning two state championship titles, one runner-up title, and three district-titles. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 this season was cut short but the team finished with a record of 19-11.
“Midagyebi” means we are all related and encompasses the core values of the Aaniiih Nakoda tribe. “The sense of community shared by my people, like many other tribes encourages me to share the value of compassion with everyone I cross paths with,” said Haile’. “Pursuing a college degree is a result of sacrifices that were made from people before me, and I remind myself of this on a daily basis. Our people push very hard for education. Many of my family members have been involved in the cultivation of our language and higher education. These factors alone have pushed me to do my best in all areas of life.”
The RMC athletic philosophy states: “…to create a positive environment in which student-athletes are expected to excel in the classroom and on their respective teams.”
“I am pursuing a degree in Environmental Science. It is important to me to bring something home to improve our reservation in the future. Eventually, I plan on being involved in preservation of our land as well as the rights associated with the access and availability to water,” added Haile’.
The RMC athletic philosophy continued: “Coaches focus their attention on mentoring student-athletes by committing themselves to their profession and challenging student-athletes to develop into leaders that will positively impact our society.”
“One of my coaches Marissa Van Atta is a true warrior,” said Haile’. “She is a former player for the RMC Battlin’ Bears, and has overcome tribulations with grace and courage.”
“Haile’ is one of those players that every team and coach dreams of having a part of their program,” Marissa Van Atta, Rocky Mountain College Women’s JV Basketball coach and assistant varsity coach.
“She is a fantastic teammate as well as a leader. For a freshman, she had a major role on our team and I am excited to see what her basketball career holds. From a coaches perspective she is the type of player you look to recruit and love to have on your roster. I could always rely on her no matter if it was on or off the court! She has that determination to work hard in the classroom and is always looking to put in extra time to improve her skills on the court. She has an inner motor and desire to be the very best she can be, and as a coach that’s what we love to see in a player. Then, mix that with her natural athleticism, knowledge and love for the game of basketball and she is unstoppable,” added Marissa.
“There were multiple occasions throughout our season where we needed a spark, whether that be a big shot to change the momentum, a defensive stop or a hustle play,” said Marissa. “She always found a way to get things done. Her defensive toughness allowed her to be matched up with someone twice her size and still shut them down. Then, her quickness and ability to shoot outside made her a threat on both ends of the court. Haile’ is not only an amazing player but is a great person off the court and an excellent student. Rocky Mountain College and the Battlin’ Bear family is lucky to have her.”
“Basketball has for many generations served as a beacon of hope to communities everywhere including mine,” said Haile’. “I have been told many times that by finding an outlet through hardships and even good times will serve me well, and it has. I’ve been taught that hard work and perseverance will get me to where I want to be in life, and basketball has been a vessel for me to learn these things. I’ve also learned the value of balance in these areas as I am a student first, and an athlete second. My success in sports means nothing without quality grades.”
“I have been very fortunate to have some very influential mentors in my life,” said Haile’. “My mother has been pivotal in shaping who I am today, and who I strive to be. Her tenacity to stand for what she believes in shows me what it means to be a leader. In a male-dominant field, she has centered her career on supporting Indian Country, but her true success has been raising her kids off of the reservation to give us opportunities.”
“Haile’ has dedicated her time and resources to basketball for as long as she could dribble,” said mother Vernelle Chase. “The love of the game has been her outlet. On a great day, you could find Haile’ in the gym on a bad day, you can find Haile’ in the gym. I have always admired how she embraced each team, coach and expectation with grace and tenacity. While never losing focus on her academics, Haile’ has always balanced her education and her passion for the game. Her focus outside of the gym is to work with our tribes to protect our environmental rights and resources through education.”
“One of her greatest abilities when it comes to the game is to adjust to what is needed for her team to succeed. She finds her spot and optimizes the opportunity. She has earned every opening and opportunity. She had to seek out her mentors, her advocates, and her coaches outside of the organized teams. She did so and she took full advantage of their experiences, lessons learned and time. She focused on giving back those same efforts to others. I have seen her lead the younger players by example,” added Vernelle.
“Haile’ tore her ACL and when she had replacement surgery she embraced her rehabilitation plan with intelligence, passion and hard work,” said Vernelle. “She never asked ‘why’ instead she focused on ‘when’ … when do I get to play again?”
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Haile’ had the option to come home to be with her family but chose to complete her freshman year on campus. She is currently pursuing environmental internships with multiple municipalities.”
“My grandmother, Margarett Campbell, has held important positions all over Montana at different schools serving students and institutions,” said Haile’. “Wherever my grandmother is, change follows. Their hard work shows me where consistency leads, and I try to reflect this in my workouts, games and off-season training.”
“Haile’ became involved in basketball at a very early age,” said grandmother Margarett Campbell. “Her keen interest in basketball coupled with her highly competitive nature has served her well. As an eighth grader she was recruited to play for Hope Christian HS varsity team and they won the State Championship.”
“When Haile’ hurt her knee, I was very concerned about how she would handle it emotionally,” said Margarett. “She placed so much priority on basketball that I worried that she may get depressed but her determination took over and she began rehabilitation.”
“Haile’ has a sense of humor like none of my other grandchildren,” said Margarett. “She is very witty. She doesn’t let life’s problems get to her the way others might. Haile’, her mom and brother have lived all over the United States following her mom’s construction career so Haile’ learned early to not get too attached to anyone or any place. Basketball was her continuity, her foundation, her way of handling things.”
“Upon high school graduation she had options and chose Rocky Mountain College,” said Margarett. “It may have had something to do with attending Catholic and Christian schools from k-12. She had a comfort level there that led her to the Battling Bears.
The COVID 19 problem was another disruption in her life that she handled responsibly by staying on campus. She is the President of the Native American Club so she continues to work on that responsibility as well as her on-line courses. Haile’ The Boy was raised in an urban setting but always kept her ties close with all of her family on various reservations. She is strong and will not be broken. Our family is very proud of her. In this life Haile’ will be a leader. She already is.”
“My late-uncle Charlie The Boy was instrumental in shaping my childhood,” said Haile’. In remembrance of his life, I am reminded to enjoy the little things daily. People who strive to teach motivate me. These individuals have taught me that success comes in different forms, and basketball is a catalyst for future endeavors.”
“My mother has always emphasized the importance of maintaining balance in the areas of mental, spiritual, physical and emotional well-being,” said Haile’.
“I am always in the gym,” said Haile’. “Whatever team I am on, I seek out experienced players that will help me improve my game. It is not unusual to spend hours on the court with different players working on small details. If I have time before class, I’ll find myself in the weight room and if I do not have time before class, I’ll go when my day is over.”
“During my junior year, I tore my anterior cruciate ligament and medial cruciate ligament in a rivalry game against Shiprock HS (NM),” said Haile’. “Through this experience, I learned the importance of strengthening my muscles and balance in my workouts.”
“I read books to improve my mental game,” said Haile’. “Reach for the Summit: The Definite Dozen System for Succeeding at Whatever You Do by Pat Summitt, talks about a lot of the psychology behind a good coaches’ mentality towards players. During the season, I look to think how my coach thinks. Being ‘one step ahead’ serves well in a team setting. Everything truly happens for a reason, and my beliefs have kept me grounded in a lot of areas, especially basketball.”
“Throughout my injury, there were a lot of things that I questioned and I was continually told that faith will get me through anything. I grew up in the Catholic Church, and cultural ceremonies. I have found a balance in each knowing that the Creator puts people and situations in our lives to humble us, teach us and bless us,” added Haile’.
“Mental fortitude is something I try to build upon daily,” said Haile’. “Like anyone, I’ve had my hardships but I remember that trials in life are temporary. When things get hard in life and basketball I believe this is the time to show yourself how strong you are. An especially important book to me, The Four Agreements talks about the things I strive to practice in daily life as it says: ‘Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions.’”
“The pandemic has prevented me from going home to New Mexico,” said Haile’. “To ensure my safety and safety of others I am not flying, and I am staying at school in Billings, Montana. Our campus has no intention of closing although most students have gone home. I am following the guidelines by washing my hands, sanitizing and maintaining my distance from crowds. I meet with my class via Google Meet every weekday, and continue with assignments and labs.”
“I am the President of the Inter-Tribal Student Alliance at Rocky Mountain College so I proceed with these duties virtually as well,” said Haile’.
“Haile’ has proven to be a leader on and off the court,” said Misty Kuhl, Director, Native Outreach at Rocky Mountain College. “She is not only an amazing athlete, she’s a team player in everything she does. One of the things I respect about her is, she is always looking out for her fellow students and she’s the first to step up when a volunteer is needed.”
“To stay-in-shape, I have set a schedule of running and circuit workouts modified for my dorm room being that the gyms are closed. In a time like this I also find it important to work on things that I used to not have as much time for such as reading, drawing, and reflecting. I believe these unprecedented times can reveal to the world how substantial our efforts are as a community against this virus.”
Photo Credit: Randy Perez
I love this story. Thank you.
Kudos to Haile Faith. Even as a little girl she had a fierceness that made me believe in her. She is kind, funny and dedicated. She is the future of Indian Country.
Haile, you are an inspiration to many. Your words will help others find their way. Your mom, grandmother and other relatives must be very proud of your accomplishments. Keep up the good work. I am glad you read the book by Pat Summit. She was the greatest girls bb coach here in East Tennessee.
Go change the world.