by By Dan Ninham (Oneida)
Malia Jacobs is a 5’6”, senior, point guard for the 16-0 Oneida Nation HS Lady Thunderhawks varsity girls basketball team. Her parents are Dionne Jacobs (Oneida) and Randy Jacobs (Oglala). They live in Oneida, WI. Her Indian name is Kahnekaw^lyehse? (She stirs the waters).
“The core values that define who I am as a student-athlete are Kanolukhwasla, the compassion, caring, identity and joy of being and Twahwahtsilay^, which is all of us are family,” said Malia.
“My family has always encouraged me to be comfortable in my own skin, to be proud of who I am, to treat others with kindness and to rely on my family, extended family and community for guidance and support.”
Oneida Nation HS Athletic Director and 7-12 Principal Art Skenandore said: “Coach Ninham asked that I share a story of leadership on or off the court that best describes Malia Jacobs, who is a 4-year honor student, a 4-year multi-sports athlete, a 4.0 GPA senior leader of the undefeated Oneida Nation Lady T Hawks. The superlatives that describe Malia such as, a laser focus in the classroom and on the court, leader by example, willingness to work hard for the results, a decibel voice of encouragement to team mates in the game and at practice, to make everyone around her the best player they can be for the team!”
“As the Athletic Director, I have had the vantage point to watch this young lady grow into her leadership role and I would assign her the superlative of balance. She is most comfortable creating opportunity for her teammates by utilizing her laser focus and intensity on the defensive side of the game, to create the turn over and the swing of momentum that has led to the current success of this season. Malia’s balance has been culturally embedded in her thinking and feeling for her identity. She has been given a solid cultural foundation with sound principals of giving of the heart and encouraging others that translates to skill and ability to express herself as a championship fancy shawl dancer as well as an exceptional student athlete! She exudes confidence and shares that with those around her, this is her gift of balance. Her strength is balance, which will sustain her and contribute to a successful college experience and guide her contribution for herself, her family and her community.”
Oneida Nation HS head girls basketball coach Lee Laster said: “Malia has always been the director on the court, she sees the court with a very powerful vision, she is one of our 3 captains and makes the ladies around her better. Malia has the ability to play college ball, there’s no doubt in my mind. She is driven and extremely hard working and has a passion for the game she loves. Every year I have coached Malia she has taken her game to the next level, every year she has new goals to improve herself on and off the court and those goals become reality because of her dedication and desire to be the best she can be.” “My mom, Dionne Jacobs, my cousins, Jessica House and Yelih Rodriguez, coaches Mariea King, Derrick King and Anthony Cornelius and my God-father, David Powless have positively influenced me as an athlete by:
- Encouraging me to never give up and to always put forth 100% effort
- Taking the time to work with me on basketball skills and conditioning
- Providing advice on how to be a better athlete
- Always supporting me
Mom Dionne Jacobs said: “Malia is a born leader. It’s in her bloodline. She is the great great granddaughter of Irene Moore, first chairwoman of the Oneida Nation. Malia leads by example. She puts forth 110% effort every minute of every game and that carries onto the team as a whole. Malia has been a captain since her sophomore year. She is the epitome of a team player and works very hard to ensure everyone is on the same page and is involved. The success of the Lady Thunderhawks does not fall on to one players shoulders and it truly is a team effort. Cousin Yehli Rodriguez said: “Malia is a team player, both encouraging on and off the court. She’s always the one to pick up her teammates when we’re getting flustered during the game. She’s strong and verbal constantly. There’s never a time where she’s not communicating with her teammates.”
Coach Anthony Cornelius said: “To me what really stands out about Malia is her work ethic. When she trains with me I don’t ever have to ask her to work harder. I think it’s a really good trait to have and it’s contagious. When you workout with other people or you’re at practice and you’re pushing yourself to be the best you can be, your team mates are going to pick up on that as well.”
Coach Derrick King said: “I had the privilege to coach Malia two years ago for a high school tournament. She is a very talented player and she leaves it all on the court. She made the all-tournament team at that tournament through her hustle and hard play. Malia has proven to be a good leader on the court and game facilitator. She has been a great example for our youth by volunteering her time to help out with the younger basketball teams. Malia’s future looks bright and it’s been a pleasure coaching her.”
Malia has all the bases covered in academics, basketball and in her cultural ways. “I’m a high honor student, I graduated a semester early, I’m currently enrolled at NWTC and I’m a champion fancy shawl dancer,” said Malia.
Basketball honors include: 2017-2018, Team Captain, Honorable Mention M&O Conference, High Honor Student; 2018-2019, Team Captain, 2nd Team M&O Conference, Team MVP, High Honor Student; and, 2019-2020, Team Captain, High Honor Student
“The best advice I have for all student-athletes is to always put SCHOOL first,” said Malia. “Being an athlete is a privilege. Be the best you can be in the classroom and don’t settle for being a mediocre student because that will carry onto your sport.”
Photo Credit: Jacqui Jenkins
