Navajo Female Participation in High School Volleyball and its ...

Navajo Female Participation in High School Volleyball and its Correlation/lmpact on Postsecondary Success by Treva C. Gilmore

A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education

Approved March 2012 by the Graduate Supervisory Committee:

Dee Ann Spencer, Chair Nicholas A. Appleton Kimberly J. Orr

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY May 2012

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to identify, describe, and analyze Navajo female participation in high school volleyball and its affects on success in higher education. The research was an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the impact athletics, namely volleyball, has within the Din? culture; and how the impact of those role models who provided leadership through athletic instruction had on the lives of Navajo female student athletes in their postsecondary experiences. The qualitative research was an opportunity to recognize that the interviewing process is synonymous and conducive to oral traditions told by Indigenous people. The population consisted of 11 Navajo female student athletes who were alumna of Monument Valley High School in Kayenta, Arizona, located on the Navajo Nation and who had participated in four years of Mustang volleyball from 2000-2010, either currently attending or graduated from a postsecondary institution, and although not a set criterion, played collegiate volleyball. Results indicated that participation in high school volleyball provided the necessary support and overarching influence that increased self-esteem or selfefficacy that led toward college enrollment, maintaining retention, and long-term academic success. Din? teachings of Aszd?? N?dleeh? (Changing Woman) through the age old practice of the Kinaald? ceremony for young Navajo pubescent girls marking their transition into womanhood, the practice of K'?, and Sa'ah naagh?? bi'keeh h?zh??n were all prominent Din? principles that resonated

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with the Navajo female student athletes. The leadership skills that the Navajo female student athletes acquired occurred based on the modification and adaptation of two cultures of two given societies: mainstream non-Native, Eurocentric society, and Din? society. The lifestyle, cultural beliefs, and teachings define the identity of female student athletes and the essence of their being.

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To all the female stronghold of my life, who always exhibited insurmountable

strength, tenacity, and wisdom. I am always humbled by your example. To Nal? Irene W. Yellowhair, Nal? Sadie Wilson, and Masan? Jeanette Parrish, who were the foundations of my identity as a Din? woman.

I will always strive to fit your mold. To Shim? Gladys Yellowhair and Shizhe'? Thomas J. Yellowhair,

who always expected nothing short of success I am a fulfillment of your prayers. To my beautiful children:

Dekoda Marie, Natani Sage, Autumn Kree, and Nabahi Din?, who were always my reasons to strive You will always be the beneficiaries of my inexhaustible hard work and unconditional love. And for my husband, Pete Erik, who always believed I could.

Your support and love never go unnoticed.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, a gesture of gratitude must be extended to Dr. Dee Spencer who advised unremittingly during this entire dissertation process. I will forever be grateful. Thank you, Dr. Appleton and Dr. Orr for going through this doctoral journey with me. I would also like to thank the professors and members of the NAEL cohort for their support during these past four years. Contributions of your professionalism, your intellect, and your friendship will always have an influence on the professional and personal realms of my life. I also want to thank colleagues and fellow coaches of Monument Valley High School for believing in Kayenta and working diligently to provide educational and athletic opportunities to our students who are more than deserving. There are many people to thank for completing a terminal degree. But in particular, I would like to recognize Lucinda Nash whose 37 years of selflessness to the sport of volleyball has birthed a tradition of success, not only for me, but also for countless other young Din? women of Monument Valley High School who still continue to strive for success in all aspects of their lives. Your role as a coach and a mentor for Din? youth is nothing short of remarkable.

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