Miya Scanlan (Seneca): Lacrosse Doesn’t Stop During The Pandemic For The Scanlan Family

By Dan Ninham (Oneida)

Miya Scanlan ni:’ gyasöh. Sga:sgae’ niyagwadih deyagwadënöde’. Jodi koh näh Charlie deniyasö’h näh hökawak. Tgi’jo’ hëöweh ga’dägësgëö. Ye:i’ sgae’ niwagohsiya’göh. Onöndowa’ga’ niwagöëdzo’dëh. Agata:yö:nih.  Translation: My name is Miya Scanlan, I am one of eleven children. My parents are Jodi and Charlie. I reside on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, I am 16 years old. I am a member of the Seneca tribe and the wolf clan. 

“I am a junior at Gowanda Central High School,” said Miya. “I am a three-sport athlete, I play basketball volleyball and lacrosse. I have verbally committed to play NCAA DI lacrosse at Jacksonville University, and I hold the New York state record for most goals with 16 scored in a game. I have been selected to the first team all-star in volleyball, basketball and lacrosse. As for lacrosse, I was also selected to the First Team All Western New York. During this past basketball season I reached the 1,000 point milestone.”

“My sister Shayla Scanlan plays NCAA DI lacrosse at the University of Louisville,” said Miya. “Continuously watching her play has helped me up my game and has made me strive to get to the next level.”

“My mom and dad/coach helped push me to be the athlete I am today,” said Miya. “They always boosted my confidence by saying I have all the talent to play at the next level. I just need to give it my all in word for it. I wouldn’t be where I am today without both of them driving me to practices and tournaments in for them paying for the club fees.”

“My grandfather, with his knowledge and wisdom he has for the game has helped my siblings and I critique our game and he also helped fix our mistakes,” said Miya. 

The holistic concept of wellness is based on physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health. Athletes who continue on their path toward greatness need to have a balance of these components. The pandemic doesn’t stop this from happening. 

“The perks of having a big family during this pandemic is lacrosse doesn’t stop,” said Miya. “We are constantly outside playing lacrosse, going on runs and working out whether it’s by myself or with my siblings. Working on my non-dominant hand has been my focus, and this will help improve my game. The game is spiritual and derived from our blood, our ancestors. During a stressful game I think to myself slow it down and let it all play out.” 

Photo Credit: Gowanda HS Yearbook Committee