Gonzaga University Women’s Basketball team hosted its annual N7 Game on Sunday, November 17, 2024, celebrating Native American culture and community. With 5,288 fans in attendance, the event showcased the unity of sports and culture while highlighting the talents of Native youth.
Rise Above collaborated with Spokane Public Schools Native Education Drumming group and the BNB All Stars, a 5th-grade girls’ basketball team from Wellpinit, Washington, to deliver an inspiring halftime performance. The drumming group set the stage with a captivating performance, followed by an exciting scrimmage featuring the BNB All Stars. Each player was introduced to cheers from the crowd, emphasizing Rise Above’s mission to empower Native youth through sports and community involvement.
The youth also formed a tunnel to welcome the Zags back to the court for the second half. After the game, they had the chance to meet the Gonzaga women’s basketball team for photos and autographs, fostering connections that celebrated the importance of culture and youth engagement.
This collaboration highlighted the power of sports to bring communities together and celebrate the heritage and skills of Native youth.