Rilee Phillips, a dedicated cross country and track athlete at McAlester High School, draws strength and inspiration from her Choctaw heritage. “My Choctaw heritage is in my heart and my personality,” she shares. “I am very resilient, and my family story tells while passing down history, knowledge, and cultural values.”
Rilee’s connection to her culture began at a young age. “My first time getting involved with the Choctaw Nation was when I was 12, going to the cultural camps during the summer,” she recalls. These experiences have shaped her perspective on hard work and resilience. “It has shown me that communication and hard work will always work in the long run. It always works from the wrestling room to the cross-country course. Even as co-president of the Native American Club, my culture helps me in many ways.”
Faith and family are cornerstones of Rilee’s life. “Faith and family have been a huge part of my upbringing. My family has always been there for me no matter what. My faith gets me through tough days without them,” she explains. Whether through the support of her family or her personal drive, Rilee has overcome challenges, including academic struggles in high school math. “I have always had good grades until high school math came along,” she says. “My family was always there to try and help me, but as I got older, I had to reach out to my teacher. Mrs. Easley is an amazing tutor who helped me tremendously.”
Preserving Choctaw traditions is a priority for Rilee, and she is committed to sharing the culture with others. “Beading is a tradition that has always stuck out for me that I can do,” she says. As a leader in the Native American Club, she takes pride in engaging younger students with their heritage. “I feel as though many younger students do not care for our culture. When I joined the Native American Club, I got the chance to show kids how amazing it is.”
Looking ahead, Rilee plans to pursue a career as a radiology technician. “I aim to return and utilize my knowledge in a career that benefits the Choctaw Nation,” she says, determined to carry her heritage into her future. “My Choctaw heritage will always be a part of me that I can rely on and carry with me.”
