Renee Ramos, Alyssa Matus, Ariana Sanchez, Nikki Begay, Brittany Walkingstick and Marisa Vallejo. Showcases Nike N7 uniforms, supporting Native American Athletes

MESA, Arizona – April 12, 2019 – The Mesa Community College softball team will showcase Nike N7 uniforms during its inaugural American Indian Recognition Softball Games on April 20 against the South Mountain Community College Cougars at the John D. Riggs field (1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa). The N7 uniforms sport turquoise with red, representing harmony, fellowship and friendship.

MCC softball joins the college’s basketball teams in celebrating and supporting the Nike N7 movement and recognizing Native American student athletes.

The N7 Nike brand is inspired by Native American wisdom of the Seventh Generation Principle: In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.

“To our knowledge, MCC softball is just the third collegiate softball program, and the first junior college in the country, to sport the N7 uniform,” said John Mulhern, MCC athletic director.

Six MCC softball players collectively represent seven tribal nations: the Cherokee Nation, Arapahoe Nation, Pascua Yaqui Nation, Yaqui Nation, Navajo Nation, Zuni Nation and the Apache Nation.

2019 MCC softball team. Though the student athletes are pursuing very different fields of study they are all proud to have support from the college both on the field and off.

Brittany Walkingstick No. 3 (Mesa) represents the Cherokee Nation and is pursuing a degree in film production. Ariana Sanchez No. 8 (Phoenix) from the Arapahoe Nation is studying veterinary technology. Sociology major Renee Ramos No. 11 (Mesa) is from the Pascua Yaqui Nation. Nikki Begay No. 26 (Mesa) represents the Navajo, Zuni and Apache Nations and is pursuing a degree in elementary education. Alyssa Matus No. 44 (Guadalupe), a social work major, is from the Pascua Yaqui Nation. Business major, Marisa Valejo No. 48 (Gilbert) represents the Yaqui Nation.

A sample N7 softball uniform is on prominent display in a newly remodeled trophy case in the lobby of the Theo Heap Gymnasium, alongside the MCC N7 basketball jerseys.

The games are free and open to the public. The first pitch will take place at noon and game two begins at 2 p.m. There will be Native American dancers and entertainers prior to the first game as well as individuals who will throw out the first pitch and sing the national anthem. MCC Athletics will be provide free burgers and hot dogs during the games, while supplies last.

The game will be live streamed at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/mcc/

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

About N7 Fund: Nike believes kids aren’t meant to sit still, they’re Made to Play. The N7 collection supports Nike’s commitment to get kids moving through the N7 Fund, which supports organizations to provide sport and physical activity programming to kids in Native American and Aboriginal communities so that they can lead healthier, happier and more successful lives. Since its inception in 2009, the N7 Fund has awarded $5.6 million in grants to 243 communities and organizations, reaching more than 420,000 youth. Harnessing the power of sport as a unifying force, the N7 Fund helps kids reach their greatest potential and reflects Nike’s belief in creating more equal playing fields for everyone. Learn about Nike N7 at http://n7fund.com/.

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, at its two campuses, the Mesa Downtown Center and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.