Native Student-Athlete Q&A w/ Isaac Stafford

A big part of Pacific Northwest Native Lacrosse is a platform to highlight Native players, coaches, individuals, and organizations who are Native or involved in supporting Native Lacrosse in the Pacific Northwest. 

We recently caught up with student-athlete Isaac Stafford, an enrolled Puyallup Tribal Member, a junior at Puyallup High School who plays Attack for the Puyallup Vikings and City Side Lacrosse. 

Q&A with Isaac Stafford: 

PNWNL: How did you first get involved in Lacrosse, and what drew you into the sport? 

ISAAC: I got involved through my dad and Lyle Thompson's highlights is what drew me into wanting to get better at Lacrosse.

PNWNL: As a Native high school Lacrosse player in the PNW, how do you feel your cultural identity influences your experience in the sport? 

ISAAC: Being native is a positive influence in experiencing Lacrosse; it's all around my family and has been a part of my life since I was little. 

PNWNL: Being a high school athlete can be challenging. How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your commitment to Lacrosse? 

ISAAC: I set aside time after school to focus on schoolwork first; I always try to get at least an hour of schoolwork before I start practicing.

PNWNL: Are there any Native Lacrosse players or coaches who have been role models or inspirations for you? How have they influenced your journey? 

ISAAC: Lyle Thompson is a big inspiration for me and a big influence on how I play Lacrosse. Watching him and the other Thompson brothers highlights.

PNWNL: How has your family, community, or tribe supported your Lacrosse endeavors? What role do they play in your sporting life? 

ISAAC: My family and tribe do a lot to support my sports life. They do everything they can for me to be successful.

PNWNL: Looking ahead, what are your goals for both Lacrosse and your personal development? Do you have plans to continue playing after high school? 

ISAAC: I want to play Lacrosse in college, keep Lacrosse in my life, and pass it on.

PNWNL: What advice would you give to younger Native students interested in Lacrosse? 

ISAAC: Try it; you can't say you don't like something unless you try it.

PNWNL: Finally, what does Lacrosse mean to you, and how do you think it has shaped you as a person and as a member of the Native community? 

ISAAC: To me, Lacrosse means a lot because it's a huge part of my life. It is very important to me as it has taught me a lot and helped me grow as a person.

Check out Isaac's Lacrosse highlight reel here: