N7 Fund | Ambassadors

N7 ambassadors who are both athletes that reflect the Native American and Aboriginal community and influencers who choose to use their voice to inspire future generations and to celebrate the power of native youth.

Alvina Begay

Alvina Begay was raised on the Navajo Reservation and long distance running is in her blood. At an elevation of 6,000+ feet, Alvina grew up running on the almost endless, dusty dirt roads and trails of her hometown. Inspired by her father, also a long distance runner, her mother and the wide-open Northeastern Arizona sky, Alvina achieved the honor of being an Academic as well as Athletic All-American. Her love of and gift for running spilled into her college career at both Adams State University and Arizona State, where her talent and passion lit up the track. And she’s not just fast, she’s smart. Alvina is working on completing her master’s degree in Health Administration in Flagstaff, Arizona where she lives and trains with the Team USA Arizona running group–focusing primarily on her marathon time. She champions Wings of America, a running camp for Native American youth. Her message to young people is undiluted and sincere. She believes that no matter who you are and where you come from, anything is possible as long as you dream big and work hard. Her training philosophy is clear and concise. She believes in keeping it simple. React. Run. Have fun and let the training fall into place. Both on and off the track, Alvina is proud of her Native American heritage. But what she really appreciates about running: it doesn’t matter where you come from or the color of your skin. Everyone at that starting line just wants to run fast and win. And that’s exactly what she does.

Notah Begay III

Notah Begay III, the only full-blooded Native American on the PGA Tour, was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Notah secured a scholarship to Stanford University where he earned a degree in Economics in addition to earning All-American Honors three times and leading the golf team to a National Championship in 1994. In addition to winning 4 PGA Tour tournaments, Notah became only the third player in the history of professional golf to shoot 59 in a professional event and partnered with good friend Tiger Woods in the 2000 President’s Cup. When Notah is not on the golf course, he dedicates his time to positively impacting the Native American community. In 2005, Notah launched The Notah Begay III Foundation. The Foundation works to battle obesity and diabetes in the Native American youth. In addition, Notah owns a golf course development firm and works exclusively with Native communities to develop world-class golf properties. Notah was named one of Golf Magazine’s Innovators of the Year in 2009 and has also been named one of the Top 100 Sports Educators in the world by the Institute for International Sport.

Sam Bradford

Sam Bradford knows how to win. Born and raised in Oklahoma City, where he starred in not only football, but basketball and golf as well, Sam is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and listed on the tribe’s rolls. After securing the starting quarterback role for the 2007 Sooners team as a freshman, Sam smashed record after record up and down the gridiron. His power, poise and skill accompanied him through his years as a Sooner. In 2008, as a Redshirt sophomore, Bradford became the second sophomore, and the first Native American player, to capture the Heisman Trophy. Bradford’s record-breaking statistics as a passer paralleled his outstanding academic honors. Bradford’s Cherokee Indian heritage is a source of inspiration in a state that is home to a quarter of a million American Indians. A humble leader, Bradford was the first overall pick for the 2010 NFL draft and was a quarterback for the St. Louis Rams–where he has posted one of the most productive seasons by a rookie quarterback in NFL history. Today, Sam is a quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Sam is a tremendous inspiration and holds the power to change lives through his own inspiring example.

Jacoby Ellsbury

Jacoby Ellsbury was destined for great things. Born in Madras, Oregon, and a proud member of Colorado River Indian Tribe, Jacoby was a four-year letterman in both football and baseball at Madras High School. He played three years of baseball at Oregon State University before being drafted by the Boston Red Sox. He is the first Native American of Navajo descent to reach the Major League. Bringing speed, stellar defense and unstoppable enthusiasm to the diamond, Jacoby is currently a center fielder for the New York Yankees. He led the American League in Stolen Bases during both the 2008 and 2009 seasons. This reflects his aptitude on the field, but his heart is in more than one place. His support of the Navajo Relief Fund, which helps build self-sufficient Native communities, is unmatched by any other professional athlete. NRF provides support for isolated and impoverished Navajo Nation communities. Jacoby and NRF work to bring relief from harsh living conditions and to bring hope by building on the strong sense of Navajo pride and community. He’s a team player in the truest sense.

Koda Glover

Koda Glover has always been locked in. From his earliest days family and friends recognized unique focus and resolve in the young Glover. This focus enabled him to rise swiftly to the Major Leagues (he was the #2 player from the 2015 MLB Amateur Draft to make his MLB debut), where he quickly garnered respect as one of the most electric late game relievers in baseball. Born in Durant, Oklahoma, very close to the capitals of his Cherokee and Choctaw heritage, Koda still makes his home in Southeastern Oklahoma. Prior to being drafted by the Washington Nationals, Koda stood out as closer for Oklahoma State University where he majored in Communications. His pro career stared in spectacular fashion as he posted a 1.80 ERA in 2015. His precipitous rise to The Show continued in 2016 as he pitched to a 2.25 ERA over three levels in 2016 resulting in an overall MiLB ERA of 2.08 with 104 strikeouts in only 86 professional innings. In his short stint pitching for the Nationals in D.C., Koda has already captivated fans with his blazing fastball and intimidating presence on the mound. Locked in off-the-field as well, as he’s planning some off-season community events for Native American youth in his home state of Oklahoma. Koda is incredibly excited about being an N7 Ambassador and what he hopes he can help Nike move the next generation.

Temryss Lane

Temryss Lane is a woman of many talents. Professional soccer player and fitness model turned TV host, she’s established herself as an on-air personality for the likes of beIN Sport, Fox Soccer, Fox Sports, and other media outlers. As a lifetime soccer player, the transition from player to sports broadcaster was a natural one. Temryss was born in Bellingham, Washington as a tribal member of the Lummi Nation. Training in ballet, competing in track, basketball and soccer, Temryss became a Washington State elite athlete but soccer became her lifelong passion. She earned the title of 1999 NSCAA Washington State Adidas Player of the Year and her club team, Emerald City FC, won the State Championship in 2000. She then received a full scholarship to Arizona State University where she started as a freshman for the Pac-10 NCAA Division I school. As she continued to star at ASU, she was named to the U-23 US National Team as the co-captain. She then joined US Soccer in Mexico for 2008 pre-Olympic competitions. Post college Temryss was then recruited to play professionally in Sweden. She played for Balinge IF in the Damallsvenksan. However, after one season a career ending injury forced her to put her soccer dreams aside. Not to be deterred, like a true champion she switched gears and began to put her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and minor in Communications to work. Beginning her professional career at 106.1 KMEL, the Bay Area’s #1 Hip Hop and R&B Station. After two years in the bay she decided to move to Los Angeles to embark upon her television career. As a Native American, she’s taken on the responsibility to both inspire and break down stereotypes within her community. An inspiration to many, she remains active in the Native American community, working with young people to inspire and empower them to fulfill their dreams. A fitness nut, Temryss still plays soccer any chance she gets and has parlayed her love of sports into a career in TV, as a coach, and a fitness model.

Jordan Nolan

Jordan Nolan, although only 27 years old, has accomplished so much in his young and inspiring life. A 2-time Stanley Cup Champion with the LA Kings, Jordan is looked upon as an up and coming positive role model in First Nation communities across Canada. Jordan grew up in Garden River First Nation constantly playing outdoors, and in the wintertime, you could find him on the outdoor rink. It was on that outdoor rink that Jordan honed his skills that would eventually see him drafted to the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Jordan would go onto play for the Erie Otters, Windsor Spitfires and the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds throughout his OHL career. Jordan was then drafted by the LA Kings in the 7th round (186th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Being a low NHL draft pick, Jordan wasn’t supposed to accomplish so much in such a short amount of time. “Committing myself fully on and off the ice was what changed my life. I knew in order to make, and eventually stick in the NHL full time, I needed to live a healthy, clean, active lifestyle, and that is what helped me get to where I am today.” Jordan would be an integral part of the LA Kings Stanley Cup winning teams in 2012 and 2014, and both times took his “Day with the Stanley Cup” back to his home community of Garden River First Nation. Just like his father and brother, giving back to First Nation youth is very important to Jordan. Having co-created the 3|NOLANS First Nation Hockey School in 2013, Jordan continuously sets aside time in his busy summer schedule to travel to First Nation communities across Canada to help teach hockey skills, but more importantly, how to be a positive role model and leader within your community.

Spencer O’Brien

Spencer O’Brien has spent the majority of her life in the mountains. From the Haida community, Spencer grew up on Vancouver Island in British Columbia; she was taught to snowboard and inspired by her dad and older sister. Initially Spencer had no aspirations of becoming a pro snowboarder; she rode with her family on the weekends and only competed because her sister did. However, after participating in every sport imaginable, she soon realized she was happiest when in the mountains. By age 16 snowboarding naturally took on a more dominant role in her life while her other interests took a back seat. With a blend of hard work and a distinctive, smooth style, O’Brien has become one of the most consistent female slopestyle competitors out there. She won the first ever TTR World Snowboarding Championships Slopestyle in 2012, is a 2 time Women’s Slopestyle Dew Cup winner and a three-time medalist at the Winter X Games. Despite her competitive accomplishments, Spencer should not be considered a contest rider only. She’s held the cover of Snowboard Mag, Snowboard Canada Women’s Annual and Pleasure Magazine’s Women’s Annual. She has made several on-camera appearances including assisting chef Robert Irvine on an episode of the Food Network’s Dinner: Impossible and a feature interview for Disney Channel in Europe. She is always willing to give back, whether by coaching at Camp of Champions or High Cascade Snowboard Camps, or by speaking to high school students about the environment with ACE (Alliance for Climate Education). Aside from snowboarding her other loves include cooking and baking for friends.

Jude Schimmel

As a Native American girl growing up on the tiny Umatilla Indian Reservation in Mission, Oregon, Jude Schimmel never expected to be a role model to thousands of young Native Americans, but that’s exactly what she’s become. Through hard work, dedication, focus and perseverance Jude beat the odds and succeeded “Off the Reservation” at a young age. Jude graduated from college in three years, and earned the NCAA Elite 89 award for having the highest grade point average in the 2013 NCAA basketball championships. She was named one of Glamour Magazine’s Top 10 College Women of 2014. She has played college basketball at the highest Division I level as a point guard for the University of Louisville, playing in a Final Four and a National Championship game. Jude has been a featured keynote speaker at the National Unity Conference, has volunteered time for countless organizations, and has spoken to over 40 Native American tribes throughout the United States in an effort to give back and inspire others. In 2015 she authored her first book, Dreamcatcher, which is meant to inspire young Native Americans through telling her life story and lessons she learned along the way.

Taboo Nawasha

The multi-talented and exceptionally stylish Jimmy Gomez, also known to his band mates and fans as “Taboo” is not just a member of the global chart topping sensation, The Black Eyed Peas, but also an accomplished dancer, actor, author, shoe designer, philanthropist and quickly becoming a global DJ sensation. Born in East Los Angeles, Taboo followed his dream of being an entertainer and rose from humble beginnings to unimaginable success. The fates aligned in 1995 when Taboo was introduced to his fellow band mates will.i.am and apl.de.ap at a break dancing club in LA. The trio formed a friendship that would later evolve into a group that called themselves “The Black Eyed Peas”, as they felt their music was “food for the soul”. In 2003, vocalist Fergie joined the group and they released the breakout album Elephunk launching The Black Eyed Peas into superstardom. Monkey Business, their fourth album followed with more global hits such as “Don’t Phunk With My Heart” and “ My Humps”. With their fifth album debuting at the top of the charts, “The E.N.D.” has broken several Billboard records, with singles like “Boom Boom Pow” and “I gotta feelin” staying at #1 for over 27 weeks. In November 2010, they released their sixth album “The Beginning”. In February 2011, the group had the honor of performing at the Superbowl XLV halftime show, solidifying them as one of the biggest acts in music history. Taboo also has the distinction of being the first Native American to headline the Superbowl halftime show. Having sold over a staggering 55 million albums worldwide, the Grammy-award winners have brought their enigmatic fusion of pop, hip – hop and dance music to a huge global audience. Taboo is now a driving force behind BEP’s return to the spotlight in 2015/2016.

Haina Thompson

“I just hope people remember me as a lacrosse player, because lacrosse is pretty much everything to me,” says Jerome “Hiana” Thompson. Part of the first family of lacrosse, Thompson’s road to the professional ranks has taken dedication, patience and an unwavering belief in his destiny. First drafted in the 2011 National Lacrosse League draft, along with his older brother Jeremy, Jerome Thompson didn’t make a squad that year. In fact, it took four long years after being drafted to make a NLL roster, but Thompson never stopped working and training and waiting for his chance. In 2014, he captured a regular spot on the Buffalo Bandits.

Jeremy Thompson

“Lacrosse is our way of life. It’s deep in our culture. In our cradle board, we are given a wooden lacrosse stick. We grew up playing since we’ve been walking.” — Jeremy Thompson. Full bio

“Lacrosse is our way of life. It’s deep in our culture. In our cradle board, we are given a wooden lacrosse stick. We grew up playing since we’ve been walking.” — Jeremy Thompson. Born in the Onondaga Nation in upstate New York, Jeremy Thompson excelled at lacrosse almost as soon as he could hold a stick. A two-time All-American at Syracuse University, he was known as a great transition midfielder and face-off specialist. Now a star for the Edmonton Rush, he’s most proud of serving as a role model for the Haudenosaunee, the people of the Iroquois Six Nations across New York, Quebec and Ontario. He starts with his own family, and he led the four Thompsons who played on the roster for The Iroquois Nationals at the 2014 International Lacrosse World Championships – where they earned their first-ever medal at the event. For the Iroquois, lacrosse is a sacred game their ancestors created, one they were born to play.

Lyle Thompson

For Lyle Thompson, lacrosse is sacred—literally. Growing up on the Onondaga Nation’s reservation, he played the game with his brothers Jeremy, Miles and Jerome Jr., as Native Americans have done for centuries. Their father trained them with wooden sticks; instead of a net, he used a wooden box with a round hole in the middle that was barely bigger than the ball. Thompson followed his brother Miles to SUNY Albany where he lit up the record books. Twice the single-season leader in overall points, he also owns the mark for most career points—by a huge margin. In 2014, he and Miles were jointly awarded the Tewaaraton Award, lacrosse’s Heisman, becoming the first Native Americans to earn this honor. Lyle Thompson went on to clinch a second Tewaaraton in 2015. He is also a two-time winner of the Jack Turnbull award, given to lacrosse’s top collegiate attackman, and a three-time All-American. In 2015, he was the first pick of the 2015 Major League Lacrosse draft, and he joins all three of his brothers in the professional ranks.

Miles Thompson

Miles Thompson’s childhood home in upstate New York didn’t have running water or electricity. But it did have lacrosse, the ancient game of his ancestors, and he had three brothers who were always eager to hone their skills. He grew up on the Onondaga Nation’s reservation, speaking Mohawk at home, and excelling at lacrosse. While standout Native American youth typically attended Syracuse, Thompson chose to play for SUNY Albany. “We knew all of the big-time natives were already going to Syracuse. We wanted to try to make a difference on our own.” The “we” refers to his brother Lyle, with whom he has an uncanny bond. At SUNY Albany, Miles Thompson tied the single-season goal record at 82 in 2014. That same year, he and Lyle became the first Native Americans to win the Tewaaraton Award, lacrosse’s Heisman. Now they are two of four Thompson brothers who play in lacrosse’s professional ranks.

Chris Wondolowski

There’s no wondering about Chris Wondolowski’s talent. He has been a force to be reckoned with ever since his days at De La Salle High School in Concord, California. On top of running track and playing baseball, Wondolowski excelled at soccer and earned All-Bay Valley Athletic League first team and all-East Bay first team honors in 2000 and 2001. He continued his standout success in college at California State University, Chico. He then led the Chico Rooks of the then Men’s Premier Soccer League with 17 goals in the 2004 season. Wondolowski was drafted 41st overall in the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft by the San Jose Earthquakes. In 2010, Wondolowski had a breakout season where he lead the MLS in scoring with 18 goals in 26 matches and lead the Earthquakes into the playoffs. Chris finished 2011 with 16 goals and signed a new contact with San Jose in February 2012. On top of his success on the field, Chris has partnered with Nike N7 to serve as an advocate for access to sport for Native American and Aboriginal youth. Chris is a member of the Kiowa tribe, a tribal affiliation he inherits from his mother.

N7 Ambassadors

N7 ambassadors who are both athletes that reflect the Native American and Aboriginal community and influencers who choose to use their voice to inspire future generations and to celebrate the power of native youth.

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