by Crownpoint, NM—On Thursday, September 4, 2025, Keitha Phillip, representing the Yupik Tribe (Alaska Native), officially signed her letter of intent to join the Navajo Technical University (NTU) women’s basketball team for the 2025–2026 season. Keitha hails from Akiachak, Alaska, and she brings experience and determination to the Skyhawks’ roster.
After coaching high school basketball in her hometown, Keitha was inspired to return to the court herself. While traveling with her team, she was often asked whether she was still playing or attending school—questions that sparked the idea of giving college basketball another shot. This ultimately led to her decision to sign with NTU. Keitha shared that Coach Louis’s honesty about the basketball program and the university played a significant role in her decision, primarily as other schools were also recruiting her.
In addition to athletics, Keitha will pursue studies in NTU’s Law Advocate program. Her interest in law stems from a family emergency she experienced a few years ago. She was encouraged to consider a legal path through that difficult time and has become determined to learn all she can. Keitha hopes to attend law school and sees NTU as the ideal place to begin that journey.
The NTU women’s basketball team will open its season next month with a preseason matchup against Eastern Arizona College. The game will occur at the Chinle Wildcat Den on Wednesday, October 22. The full schedule—featuring a mix of opponents from across the Southwest—is expected to be released soon.
