Photo Courtesy of Jason M. Bolin Photography
In her first season playing varsity at Maȟpíya Lúta junior Jayden Standing Soldier has quickly become an important presence on the floor. While she is new to the varsity lineup, she has grown into a role that has helped fuel Maȟpíya Lúta’s undefeated start and high expectations for the season.
For Standing Soldier, the defensive side of the game has been a major focus and a major source of confidence.
“It helped me because I realized that you have to work hard on defense and then offense will come on its own,” she explained. “If I stay straight up and not foul, then the blocks will come on their own as well.”
Her timing and discipline have made her one of the leading shot blockers on the roster, and her growth has not gone unnoticed by coaches, teammates, or the fans who have been filling the gym night after night.
That support has had a real effect.
Photo Courtesy of 605sports.com and LNI Facebook
“I got more confidence after realizing how much people stand behind not just me but my whole team,” Standing Soldier said.
Her efforts did not go unrewarded at the Lakota Nation Invitational, a tournament that brings some of the strongest teams and fiercest basketball crowds of the season. Standing Soldier earned recognition for her defensive play and interior presence in what was her first ever LNI appearance.
“Being recognized means a lot to me due to it being my first time playing in LNI,” she said. “I felt like in the championship game I definitely tried to stand out while being a new player and student at Maȟpíya Lúta.”
Photo Courtesy of Jason M. Bolin Photography
Standing Soldier is also still new to campus, making her emergence this year even more impressive. She has found a home with a team that has embraced her, and she has embraced what it means to represent the bue in front of a passionate crowd, a crowd she has noticed.
“It means a lot to me,” she said. “I love seeing the crowd that follows our team, and I think the key to keeping the streak alive is confidence and hard work.”
With the season still young and Maȟpíya Lúta setting the pace in Class A, Standing Soldier is proving that her first varsity campaign will not be a quiet one. Her defense, confidence, and growing presence at the rim are helping shape a team with championship expectations, and she’s just getting started.