Heritage and The Hardwood

In the heartland of Oklahoma, amid the serene town of Stillwater, a freshman is making her mark.

Not just as a formidable force on the basketball court but also as a proud representative of her rich Native American heritage.

Stailee Heard, whose roots are deeply embedded in Creek, Sac and Fox, Seneca-Cayuga, Wyandotte, and Seminole heritage, takes immense pride in her cultural background. Hailing from Grove, Oklahoma, Heard's connection to her heritage is not merely a superficial nod but a profound engagement that has been part of her life since childhood.

During Oklahoma State's N7 game on Nov. 6 against SIUE, Heard delivered an outstanding debut performance scoring 18 points and finishing with 10 rebounds. She became the first Cowgirl freshman to record a double-double in her first career came since 1993.

However, what many fans probably didn't realize is that at halftime Heard's family and friends actually performed a demonstration of a traditional Powwow sharing their Native culture for Native American Heritage Month.

"I've been very involved with my Native American culture and going to our powwows and stomp dances and being in those and dressing out has been very meaningful," Heard said.

For those unfamiliar with the traditions she holds dear, a powwow is a lively celebration where people from diverse indigenous nations come together to dance, sing, and honor their heritage. Stomp dance, on the other hand, involves spirited dancing around a fire, adorned in skirts and handmade cans, symbolizing spring time and celebrating themes of harvest, redemption, and forgiveness.

Heard proudly represents her Native American culture and former OSU women's basketball standout Lakota Beatty is among those she admires.

Transitioning from the cultural richness of her hometown to the basketball courts of OSU has been an exciting journey for Heard.

After enjoying a standout prep career for Sapulpa High School, she recently experienced the thrill of playing at the Gallagher-Iba Arena for the first time.

"It was very exciting, the environment, the fans, teammates. It was just very fun. I was excited going into the game," Heard said.

Despite the basketball prowess she displays on the court, Heard remains grounded and connected to her roots. Stillwater, is reminiscent of her small-town origins, offering a peaceful and college-centric atmosphere.

Her decision to go to OSU was not solely driven by basketball, it was the coaching staff, especially assistant coaches Jhasmin Player and Kelby Jones as well as Cowgirl head coach Jaycie Hoyt, that played a pivotal role in her choice.

"Honestly, it was the coaching staff I was not going to come here at first and then when coach Jhasmin recruited me when she was at SMU, coach Kelby recruited me at North Texas and then they both just ended up together," Heard said. "I love them both and then coach Jacie on top of that."

As she navigates through her freshman year, Heard aims not only to make an impact on the basketball court but also to leave a lasting impression on it.

She envisions being recognized for her dedication, hard work, and team spirit on the court, while off the court, she aspires to be known for her respectfulness, outgoing nature, and willingness to connect with people.

Heard is not just a rising star on the basketball court, she is a proud ambassador of her Native American heritage, blending the traditions of her ancestors with the excitement of collegiate basketball.

As she weaves her story on and off the court, she is set to leave an indelible mark, not just as an athlete but as a cultural torchbearer and a young woman with a vision for both her present and her future.

"Everyone says it goes by fast, my teammates all talk about how fast it's gone," Heard said. "In reality, it probably does go by fast, so I'm just trying to enjoy it."

Oklahoma State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Stailee Heard

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