Jade Ecoffey, a proud graduate of Maȟpíya Lúta in 2023, grew up in Wounded Knee, SD, and has always felt a deep connection to the Maȟpíya Lúta community. After attending Our Lady of Lourdes for elementary school, she moved closer to Pine Ridge, SD where she completed middle and high school at Maȟpíya Lúta. Jade’s family legacy at the school—her father and grandmother both being alumni—further solidified her strong sense of belonging. She credits Maȟpíya Lúta for always showing care and support for her academic and athletic development.
At Mahpiya Luta, Jade’s coaches in track, cross country, and basketball saw her potential early on, helping her rise to high school-level competition, even as a middle schooler. These coaches not only taught her athletic skills but also valuable life lessons that she carries with her today – push yourself mentally and physically to be the best athlete and version of yourself. Jade did this with multiple top ten state performances in cross country, a berth to the state basketball tournament, multiple LNI championships in both cross country and basketball, qualified for state high school rodeo twice and a double state champion in track!
Jade’s high school journey wasn’t without its challenges. In her senior year, she tore her ACL, forcing her to miss both basketball and track, two of her biggest passions. This injury was a major setback, but it became a defining moment in her life. Rather than allowing it to define her, Jade focused on recovery and self-growth. “I got up every day after surgery, did my rehab, made goals, and celebrated the little wins,” she says. This mindset not only helped her physically recover but also reignited her academic focus. Jade’s resilience during this time laid the foundation for her future successes, both in the classroom and in athletics. Jade concluded her senior year with many achievements, including being named valedictorian of her graduating class.
Maȟpíya Lúta played a crucial role in Jade’s preparation for college. The dual enrollment classes offered by the school allowed her to complete some general education requirements before even stepping foot on a college campus. She credits the high expectations and workload at Maȟpíya Lúta for teaching her how to manage the demands of college coursework. “Maȟpíya Lúta helped me build the skills I needed to succeed,” she says, highlighting the importance of communication with teachers, faculty, and coaches—skills that have continued to serve her well in her academic and athletic journey.
After high school, Jade moved to Vermillion, SD, to attend the University of South Dakota, where she is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. At USD, she is not just a student but a dedicated student-athlete, competing in both Cross Country and Track & Field. The transition to college was tough—academically and athletically—but Jade pushed through. When she sustained another injury, she threw herself into her academics and rehab, determined to come back stronger. “Every time I struggled in a class, I talked to my professors, got tutors, and made sure I understood the material,” she says. Jade’s hard work and perseverance paid off as she became a scorer for her team in Cross Country after a two-year battle with injury. The overall experience of being a collegiate student athlete has been her favorite part of college. She is thankful for being able to compete in her favorite sport at a higher level and for being a part of a team again.
Jade is deeply proud of her Native heritage, and she has found a second family in the Native American Cultural Center at USD. Just like Maȟpíya Lúta, the Native Student Services at USD have played a crucial role in supporting Jade’s success outside of the reservation. “It reminds me of Maȟpíya Lúta because they truly want to see Native students succeed,” she says. Jade is proud to be part of this community and hopes to give back to Native students in the future.
As she continues her undergraduate studies, Jade’s ambitions are clear. She plans to pursue graduate school, ultimately obtaining a Master’s degree and PhD in Clinical Psychology. Her journey is far from over, but with her unshakable determination, there’s no doubt that she’ll continue to inspire others along the way.
Alumni Wóksape:
Jade’s advice for current students is both straight forward and empowering: “Don’t be afraid! There are so many people willing to help you achieve your goals and be successful, you just have to ask. Take initiative and put yourself out there! Don’t be afraid to fail, only be afraid of giving up.”
Jade’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, dedication, and the courage to chase your dreams, no matter the obstacles. Her story is truly an inspiration to all of us!