This summer, AmeriCorps VISTAs have taken the leap to serve in the Up2Us Sports Summer VISTA Program and give back to their communities. Many of them have unique backgrounds, experiences, and advice for others who want to make a positive impact.
This issue spotlights Nina Polk, a 2022 AmeriCorps VISTA serving at Twin Cities Native Lacrosse. Nina is currently a student at Fort Lewis College and plays on their women’s lacrosse team. Hear more from Nina below!
“I tried to join sports in my other schools, but I was one of the only native kids on the team and always felt like an outsider. I didn’t like sports because of it. Twin Cities Native Lacrosse gave me the chance to play traditional lacrosse, and I fell in love with it from day one.”
Why did you join Twin Cities Native Lacrosse?
I have been a part of Twin Cities since 2014 when the program first started. It was a way for me to connect with other students like me. I tried to join sports in my other schools, but I was one of the only native kids on the team and always felt like an outsider. I didn’t like sports because of it. Twin Cities Native Lacrosse gave me the chance to play traditional lacrosse, and I fell in love with it from day one. I felt very welcomed by my teammates and coaches; it felt like one big family.
What’s your biggest professional accomplishment so far?
Right now, I would say my biggest accomplishment is when I started making TikToks about lacrosse. I was noticed by The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and by The Lacrosse Network, which is another Instagram social media account that posts a lot about college lacrosse and professional lacrosse. Partnering with PLL last summer was also a huge accomplishment of mine as well. PLL had games over in the Twin Cities and they invited us to play our game and to educate this past summer.
“I saw a lot of other Indigenous creators making videos they love. It’s a way to represent our culture and let the world know that we are still here. I wanted to be a part of that and incorporate lacrosse as well, since lacrosse history isn’t talked about a lot.”
Why did you choose social media to help inform others about what you do?
I kind of just made videos for fun really, but I saw a lot of other Indigenous creators making videos they love. It’s a way to represent our culture and let the world know that we are still here. I wanted to be a part of that and incorporate lacrosse as well, since lacrosse history isn't talked about a lot. Social media now is all over the place in today's world, so it was a way to get people interested in watching and learning more.
What suggestions do you have for others to use social media in the way you do?
Stay with your beliefs and just do what you love. That was a struggle for me for so long, but then I finally found it through lacrosse and justice. By representing my community and being a leader, it means so much more. I don't just post anything. It's not just for myself at all, but for my community as a whole, for my team, and for Twin Cities Lacrosse. I always give them credit for anything I do. Being a leader for younger Indigenous kids and helping them find out what they love in their young age is so amazing because that's something I wish I had. My advice is to keep your heart true, have trust in yourself, and keep it going. You will inspire others.
“Being a leader for younger Indigenous kids and helping them find out what they love in their young age is so amazing because that’s something I wish I had. ”
