by By Dan Ninham, contributing writer
Ewęhęgwahs Denise Williams, 28, is from the Cayuga Nation and Wolf Clan. “I was born and raised on the Six Nations Territory in Ontario, Canada,” said Ewęhęgwahs. “I’m currently living on the Cattaraugus Territory near Buffalo, NY raising my five children. I have four boys and one girl: Cruz, Zeddy, Zaya, Legend and Zacheriah.”
Ewęhęgwahs was a part of the first ever Haudenosaunee Women’s National Team that played in the U19 2007 World Championship in Peterborough, Ontario. She was fourteen years. She said, “it was so fun being a part of a national team. My teammates back then have become my lifelong friends.”
“My other greatest athletic accomplishment would be winning the first ever Pan American Lacrosse Association Sixes Cup,” said Ewęhęgwahs. “We were a part of the Haudenosaunee Women’s National Lacrosse Team. We competed against four other national teams in September 2021 and came out on top. I had taken a break from playing lacrosse to have my babies so getting back into it has been very fun and rewarding.”
“I grew up in what we as Haudenosaunee (people of the Longhouse) call a traditional lifestyle,” said Ewęhęgwahs. “From when I was in my mom’s belly I was attending our ceremonies, learning and speaking the Cayuga language, being taught how to use a good mind, and how to show compassion and basically everything that makes us, us.”
“That is how my mom and dad raised me and my five siblings. They taught us how to be humble and honest in everything we do. To be kind, caring and to always think of others. All these teachings I hold dear to my heart because these teachings have been passed down from generation to generation. Now I am lucky enough to teach my kids those values,” added Ewęhęgwahs.
“One of my mentors is one of my sisters, Awęhi:yo Thomas,” said Ewęhęgwahs. “She played for Team Canada, Team Haudenosaunee, Syracuse University, and even played one year professionally. I’ve learned a lot from watching her play lacrosse. Being her little sister, I always looked up to her and she would always help me anyway she could. She helped me with my stick skills, my endurance training and even with my mental game.”
“As I was getting back into lacrosse in these recent months, Awęhi:yo has always been there for me when I needed her and has always been supportive. She’s taught and shown me that if you want something in life to go for it. She always says ‘if you truly want something in life, you will do whatever it takes to get it or to get there.’ She’s taught me to never give up on my dreams. I feel she has taught me more than just things that improve my lacrosse game. Some of these things do translate into my daily life too. Awęhi:yo has taught me how to be respectful towards others and to always see the good in people. I always find myself going to her for advice even when it comes to my babies and she has four babies herself,” added Ewęhęgwahs.
“Another mentor for me is my husband, Zach,” said Ewęhęgwahs. “He is more of a motivational person for me. He’s my best friend and has been always been there for me. He played box lacrosse for the Six Nations Jr. B Rebels and won three Founders Cups, the Six Nations Sr. B Rivermen and won one President Cup for the Native Sons team. He has pushed me to keep going and to never give up. He has seen me put aside playing lacrosse to give birth to our babies and now encourages me to continue playing because he sees how much I love the game of lacrosse.”
“Every person I’ve mentioned has helped shape me into the person I am today and I am very thankful to each and everyone one of them,” said Ewęhęgwahs. “My kids help me too by keeping me strong and pushing me forward. I want to show them that you can do anything as long as you never give up. I want to show them that you should do what makes you most happy. And for me, playing lacrosse brings me so much happiness.”
“I am currently trying out for the 2022 National Team that will play in Maryland and it has been so much fun so far,” said Ewęhęgwahs.
Photo Credit: Claudia Jimerson
