by By Reid Williams
(Lawrence, Kansas) – Haskell Indian Nations University Junior Center Keli Warrior (Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma) has completed another milestone in her ongoing career at Haskell Indian Nations University. On January 23rd, at the Northern New Mexico Classic, in a game against Johnson & Wales University, Keli surpassed the 1,000 point mark for her career. She currently sits at 1,009 career points, and is only 416 points behind Maria Parker (1,425 career points), who is widely accepted as having the most career points at Haskell.
Warrior will have the remainder of this season, as well as next year, to chase down the all-time point leader, but that’s not something Keli is concerned with. Warrior had no clue she had broken the 1,000 point mark, but after reflecting on it she couldn’t be happier.
“It feels really great! I didn’t realize that I had passed the 1,000 point mark. I’m just so happy and proud to have been able to accomplish something that takes such hard work. I’m also happy that I was able to achieve this at Haskell. I carry our school with so much pride.”
In the meantime, Keli will keep up with her busy schedule. Keli takes a full course load at Haskell, dominates on the basketball court, and, if that wasn’t enough, still finds time to serve as an active member of the Army National Guard.
When asked how she manages basketball, school, and her commitment to the Military, she said
“It can be hard at times. I’m a student who will struggle in class. I have dyslexia, but that hasn’t stopped me from pushing myself in the classroom, because when you really love something, the happiness and enjoyment can’t be taken away. I love serving this country and my team, and I’m really starting to enjoy my classes this semester. My unit (137th Trans) supports me being in school and playing basketball and the same goes for my teammates supporting my military career. It really helps when you have such a great support system.”
Serving in our country’s military has allowed Warrior to have unique experiences that have taught her valuable lessons that can be applied to the basketball court. According to Keli, the biggest thing she has learned is that “the military teaches you to be mentally strong. There are many things you go through in the military where you have to suck it up and keep going. That’s exactly how I view things when it comes to basketball.”
When asked what she looks forward to with the end of the regular season quickly approaching and she said “I’m looking forward to seeing how we will finish! We have some good games coming up and it’s crunch time. My team is looking to finish strong and make it far this season.”
The No. 22 Haskell women’s basketball team will next take on York College on January 30th at 3:00p.m. in Coffin Sports Complex.
