Coming out of high school after playing a key role in her basketball team winning a state championship, Aubrey Brown wanted to play college basketball.
Even though offers to play at the next level didn’t materialize, the Sequoyah-Tahlequah graduate relied upon her will to win to fulfill her dreams as a student-athlete at Northeastern State University.
“Coming out of an Indian school, I’ve seen a lot of younger generations too often won’t strive for something like this because they don’t think they can get there,” said Brown, a 2016 high school graduate. “I was determined to carry that as my motivation to inspire the younger generation, including my younger sister, that if I can do it, they can too. If you can dream it, you can get there. Believe it, and work hard and you can achieve your goals.”
Driven by the desire to be a role model, Aubrey refused to let additional roadblocks, including injuries from a car wreck, bring an end to her future.
“Christmas 2021, mom and I were in an accident and I sustained a spinal injury.
Then, after getting the all clear to return to play, I suffered a severe ankle injury during a game,” explained Aubrey. “Because of my will to win, I refused to let that stop me from playing basketball again and to obtain my college degree.”
Today, with still two years eligibility remaining, Aubrey has already completed the requirements for her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences.
“Honestly, I changed my degree three times before settling on Nutrition. I want to become a PA (Physician’s Assistant) and return to the Cherokee Nation to serve my people because a lot of the long-term health problems that Native Americans face come from poor nutrition.“
Just like Aubrey Brown chose NSU to fulfill her dreams is just another example why future students should make the same choice.
“As a student and as a college athlete, I love it. The professors understand the needs of their students and are willing to help them achieve their goals. I just feel like it’s one big family,” she said. “And with a lot of indigenous population in this area, and having the outreach services in the library, and the professors that are really into Native American culture, that helps out a lot.”
