MCC Softball to Showcase Nike N7 Uniform

Mesa, AZ – The MCC softball team is set to host its first American Indian Recognition Softball game on April 20, 2019 against the South Mountain Cougars. 

The day is a special one for the team since not only is it their sophomore day, but they will also be showcasing brand new turquoise Nike N7 uniforms as part of the event.

Recently the men's and women's basketball teams showcased their own N7 uniforms and MCC softball joins them to celebrate and support the Nike N7 movement and celebrate American Indian recognition on campus.

To our knowledge, MCC softball is just the third collegiate softball program (and first junior college in the country) to wear their own N7 uniform and they got the idea from Oklahoma State softball, who wore their own last spring.

This season (Spring 2019) MCC softball has six players representing several tribal nations across the country.

They are:

Name                                           Year                Tribe Nation                                      Major                                          

#3 Brittany Walkingstick            Freshman       Cherokee Nation                              Film Production
#8 Ariana Sanchez                      Sophomore   Arapahoe Nation                             Veterinary Science 
#11 Renee Ramos                      Freshman      Pascua Yaqui Nation                        Sociology 
#26 Nikki Begay                          Sophomore   Navajo, Zuni, Apache Nations          Elementary Education 
#44 Alyssa Matus                       Freshman      Pascua Yaqui Nation                         Social Work 
#48 Marisa Vallejo                      Freshamn      Yaqui Nation                                     Business 

The American Indian Institute at MCC worked with Mesa Athletics and their Nike uniform provider to create the turquoise N7 uniforms for this years inaugural American Indian Recognition Softball game. 

N7 is a Nike brand aimed at inspiring and enabling Native American and Aboriginal youth in North America to participate in sports and get active while being mindful of at least seven generations beyond. There is a community involvement aspect that also goes along with a line of athletic wear, including shorts, shoes, shirts, hoodies, and several other items.  The N7 uniforms will be prominently turquoise with white stripes, representing harmony, fellowship, sharing, light, and friendship. 

More information about Nike N7 can be found here: http://n7fund.com/.

Major 4-year athletic programs who have worn the N7 jersey in previous seasons include Stanford, Oklahoma State, Haskell, Oral Roberts, New Mexico, Gonzaga, Nevada, Florida State, Oregon State, San Diego State, and Marquette. According to N7, Mesa Community College is the first 2-year college to wear such a jersey representing Nike N7 and softball becomes just the third team at Mesa to showcase such a jersey. 

There is a display in the newly remodeled trophy case located in the lobby of the Theo Heap Gymnasium showcasing the new softball and basketball jersey and more information about Nike N7.

First pitch will begin at 12:00 pm and game two will begin at 2:00 pm on April 20, 2019.  There will be Native American dancers and entertainers prior to the first game as well as individuals (yet to be determined) who will throw out the first pitch and sing the national anthem. 

Additionally, MCC Athletics will be providing free burgers and hot dogs so come out and support your MCC Softball team…Go Mesa!