Madison Andrew, a 19‑year‑old basketball guard from the remote village of Napakiak in Alaska, has been selected to compete in the 2026 Native American Basketball Invitational, a premier tournament that brings together some of the nation’s most promising Indigenous players.
From a small community to the national stage
Andrew’s journey began after she left Napakiak following her freshman year of high school, trading the quiet shores of the Kuskokwim River for the competitive courts of the state. A three‑year varsity guard, she helped her team reach the state tournament and endured the October onslaught of former Typhoon Halong, which battered her hometown from afar.
The invitation to the Phoenix‑based NABI tournament marks a historic first for Napakiak, making Andrew the first athlete from the village to earn a spot in the event. She will join a Yuut Basketball team composed of peers from neighboring communities, all preparing to face squads representing First Nations across the United States.
A stepping stone toward the future
Running from July 14 through 18, the 2026 edition of the invitational will test her skills against a diverse field of competitors. For Andrew, the experience is more than a showcase; it is a stepping stone toward her ambition of playing college basketball at the University of Alaska Anchorage, where she is enrolled in a nursing program.
Off the court, Andrew hopes to walk on as a Seawolf, blending her athletic aspirations with academic pursuits in nursing. She sees the tournament as a chance to sharpen her game while representing both her village and the broader Alaska Native community.
Her story resonates beyond the hardwood, offering a narrative of resilience and ambition that inspires younger athletes in remote Alaska.