KillEagle Signs With Dawson Community College

Last Wednesday, March 27, Dodson senior Kataya KillEagle officially signed her letter of intent to continue her basketball career at Dawson Community College in Glendive next fall.

"I am very grateful and excited that I get to continue my college basketball career at Dawson." KillEagle told the PCN at the signing.

Kataya is the daughter of Deserae Killeagle and Dwight Flansburg and is an enrolled member of the Aaniiih people (also known as White Clay and Gros Ventre) of the Fort Belknap Reservation.

KillEagle is the all-time leading scorer for the Dodson Lady Coyotes.

The entire Dodson School District was present at the signing, something that Dawson Community College Head Coach Mark Weber hasn't seen before.

"It just shows that one, Kataya is respected in the school," Coach Weber said. "Two, and the reason that we are here, is to give other students hope that if you work hard, good things can happen for you."

KillEagle was asked what the day meant to her.

"It meant a lot," she said. "It really shows how many supporters I have and I am just very thankful that everyone was here to witness me signing with Dawson. I am super grateful that I have all of these supporters supporting me."

Coach Weber was asked what stood out about KillEagle from their point of view.

"She is the epitome of the kind of kids that we recruit," Coach Weber said. "They get things done in the classroom, are great people, and have a little basketball talent. It's a great place for her, where we can grow her as a person, as well as a player."

Though KillEagle's position on the team is to be determined, Coach Weber said that their style of play features interchangeable guards that can play as wings, drive, and post up in the paint.

KillEagle had her visit to Dawson CC last fall during her senior season of volleyball as a Malta M-ette.

"After our game against Glasgow, I went and visited Dawson," KillEagle said. "I actually practiced with the (Dawson CC) team, so that was really fun."

When asked what helped her lock down her decision, she had the team in mind.

"I really liked how welcoming and friendly the coaches were," KillEagle said. "The day after, I got to go and explore the college. The staff and the environment was just very welcoming and friendly. They have a pre-nursing program that aligns with my educational goals, so I am excited for that. That really got my attention."

As for Glendive, she said that the town is small, but she is used to small-towns.

Dawson Community College has had members of the KillEagle family play for their program before including her aunt Francine KillEagle-Stiffarm, her uncles Wes KillEagle Jr. and Clayton KillEagle, and most recently, her cousin Mason LoneBear. Her mother Deserae nearly played at Dawson but passed up the chance after being offered a chance to play basketball with Francine at the University of Great Falls.

Kataya said that their stories of the school helped her make her decision.