HELP MATAYA "Tiny" represent Standing Rock in Hawaii

Hello, my name is Erin I am the proud mother of a young lady who is passionate about basketball.

My daughter Mataya aka "tiny" is a 12 year old/7th grade basketball player with a dream bigger than where she comes from.

She has been playing basketball since 3 years old at the YMCA, and ever since then, she has put her whole heart into the game. Mataya is not just a talented athlete, she is a leader, a teammate, and one of the most selfless young girls you could meet.

She is the kid who puts others before herself. At her school, student's earn "warrior bucks" to buy items from the school store. Mataya saved hers all year-not to buy something for herself-but to purchase a shirt, sweater, and socks for another child in need. That's who she is

She plays with her heart on and off the court.

Mataya has been selected to play in the 808 INDGNS Hui Classic 2026, May 7-10.

This is a Native American exposure basketball tournament where talented indigenous athletes showcase their skills in front of coaches and scouts.

Opportunities like this are rare, especially for kids growing up on the reservation.

Mataya was personally selected by a coach from Arizona after he saw her playing through video clips on Instagram. This opportunity is real, earned, and something she has worked hard for.

She dreams of going far in basketball, one day playing at a college level and even WNBA. This tournament could be a stepping stone towards that dream.

This opportunity hits so close to home for me. When i was in high school I was selected to play in the Junior Olympics for basketball and represent team USA, North Dakota and my reservation. It was one of my biggest opportunities of my life, but I had to turn it down because I knew my parents could not afford to send me. This is something I have carried ever since.

I don't want my daughter to have to miss out on her opportunity the way I did.

Mataya is proud to represent her tribe. She may come from humble beginnings, but that does not limit her dreams. She carries her culture, her people, her community everywhere she goes. Being able to step onto that court in Hawaii means putting Standing Rock on the map and showing what our youth are capable of.

What we are fundraising for:

We are trying to raise $10,000 in a short amount of time, 24 days to help cover: Flights to Hawaii, hotel accommodation, food and travel expenses, family support so that we can be there to support her.

Asking for help is not something that comes easy to us. We've always done our best to manage on our own, but with limited time and the high costs of travel, especially to Hawaii- we are humbly reaching out for support to help Taya take advantage of this opportunity.

How you can help? If you are able, we are asking for, donations of any amount, sharing taya story, and supporting her journey.

Every little bit helps us get one step closer to making this dream possible.

Taya's words- play hard, play smart, play with heart and stay humble.

From our family to yours-thank you for believing in her, supporting her, and helping her chase her dreams.