“Clip that ponytail.”

“Scalp him.”

Lyle Thompson had heard these taunts before. But on Jan. 12, when a Philadelphia Wings public address announcer and a couple of unruly fans affronted the Georgia Swarm forward, for the first time it moved him to tears.

And to speak out on social media.

Thompson’s remarks drew national attention and sparked dialogue among indigenous people who feel increasingly marginalized by the current political winds. Even in lacrosse, a sport that owes its origins to tribes of the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains, such racism exists.

US Lacrosse Magazine asked a dozen Native American lacrosse players — past and present, starting with Thompson — to share their stories in their words.

This is what it means to be Native American in this sport.

— Matt DaSilva, Editor in Chief

My Hair is Who I Am

Lyle Thompson // Georgia Swarm

Lyle Thompson, the former Albany star turned professional and international lacrosse player, is currently a member of the NLL’s Georgia Swarm and MLL’s Chesapeake Bayhawks. He was the target of insensitive remarks at Wells Fargo Arena on Jan. 12. A native of the Six Nations, Thompson is the most high-profile Native American lacrosse player in the world.

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Don’t Call Me Pocahontas

Shayla Scanlan // Louisville

Shayla Scanlan is a sophomore attacker at Louisville. A native of the Seneca Nation’s Cattaraugus Indian Reservation and graduate of Lake Shore (N.Y.) High School, Scanlan was a 2017 recipient of Tewaaraton Native American Scholarship, presented by US Lacrosse. She majors in political science and plans to study Indian law in pursuit of a post-graduate degree.

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Who I Play For

Isaiah Skidders // IMG Academy

Lyle Thompson may not remember his Facebook message to Isaiah Skidders, but it meant more to him than he may know. Tehoka Nanticoke also reached out when opponents got under Skidders' skin. Skidders, a senior at IMG Academy who is headed to Albany next year, wants to be that role model for the next generation of kids from the reservation. 

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The Right Path

Ivy Santana // Albany

After witnessing friends go down the wrong path due to drugs and alcohol, Ivy Santana became determined to change her course, not only playing for the younger generation, but also those who never got the chance. "When are people going to open their eyes and say enough is enough?" she questioned. Santana thanks her father for getting her to where she is today.

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Finding Acceptance

Ryan & Alie Jimerson

Ryan Jimerson's father was not open to his wife, Claudia, playing the game of lacrosse, the Creator's Game. But are consideration, he granted Claudia, and later Alie, his blessing for each to play the game. Alie Jimerson later played at Albany and Syracuse, before spending time with the Haudenosaunee national team and Team Canada. The father and daughter share their experiences as Natives playing the game of lacrosse.

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Question of Identity

Bill O’Brien // Boston Cannons

Bill O'Brien grew up around the Onondaga reservation and learned the game playing box at a young age. He played lacrosse through high school, when he got a scholarship to play football at Sacred Heart. After a successful college football career, O'Brien transition back to the lacrosse world. He joined the New England Black Wolves of the NLL in 2014 and continued his box career through 2018. Now, he'll suit up for the MLL's Boston Cannons.

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Passion over Perception

Jade Haumann // Keuka (‘18)

Jade Haumann recently wrapped up her two-year career with Keuka College, where she played the game with which she grew up. Haumann has plans to enter the STEM field, hoping to help preserve the environment and protects animals — two values she learned as a member of the Onondaga Nation.

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A Stick Maker’s Perspective

Ron Patterson // Seneca Nation

Ron Patterson, who lives in the Oneida reservation and grew up with Senecas, played lacrosse throughout his childhood and into adulthood. He fell in love with the stick, eventually making it his life's passion. Patterson explains the meaning of lacrosse stick to the Natives that play the Creator's Game.

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Stick and Ball Game

Justin Giles // Virginia (‘03)

Justin Giles is of the Muskogee Creek Nation, where he learned a stick and ball game similar to lacrosse. He wasn't introduced to the comtemporary game until grade school in the Washington D.C. suburbs. Once he found lacrosse, he felt a strong sense of pride being of Native heritage. He later played at Virginia and with the Iroquois Nationals.

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Sisters Stick Together

Jacelyn & Mimi Lazore // IMG Academy

Jacelyn and Mimi Lazore grew up playing lacrosse in the Akwesasne region along the St. Lawrence River, and later spent time at Salmon River High School. After a tough recruiting process, the Lazore sisters ended up at IMG Academy, where they currently play as seniors. Both will play at Dartmouth this coming fall.

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