OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The Evergreen State College women's wrestlers Nizhoni Tallman (Sr.) and Ruby Clark (Fr.) provided fans with some powwow dancing before the Native American Heritage Duals, hosted by the Geoducks took on Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Costantino Recreation center. The Geoducks took on Big Bend Community College and Linfield University in dual matches that afternoon. The powwow dancing was part of the team's celebration of Native American Heritage Day.

"I'm extremely proud of our Native American wrestlers who compete for Evergreen," Head Women's Wrestling Coach Fan Zhang said. "Nizhoni Tallman, an NAIA All-American last year (2024-25), earned All-American honors at the USA Women's Nationals -- which includes all college divisions in the NAIA and NCAA in 2023-24. Roby Clark, a freshman in our program, was a two-time State Champion in high school. Ruby represents our Native community with heart and dedication.

"These duals were called the Native American Heritage Duals because I wanted to continue building a platform that supports Native American student-athletes, helping them succeed both on the mat and academically at Evergreen," Zhang added. "My goal is to grow this event every year."

In addition to earning NAIA All-American honors, Tallman was chosen U.S. Bank Cascade Collegiate Conference Academic All-Conference in 2024-25.

"I am really thankful to my coaches and the Evergreen staff for taking the time to recognize Native people, our culture, and the history that shapes us," Tallman commented. "Being invited to dance and share who we are means a lot, because it reminds everyone that our people are still here, still strong, and still proud, and that it is important to also remember our history and recognize our resilience.

"It was special to have two of the biggest parts of my life come together during Native American Heritage Day," Tallman said. "Wrestling and powwow dancing both play a huge role in who I am, and standing out there at our home dual, representing my people after everything our communities have faced, felt powerful. I am grateful to be part of this honor and recognition, to stand there knowing I am helping carry our culture forward."

Evergreen is ranked #15 as a team in the NAIA Women's Wrestling Top 20 Poll. Tallman is listed #8 in the individual rankings for the 110-pound weight class. The Geoducks defeated Big Bend CC 23-20 and downed Linfield 38-5 during the Native American Heritage Duals.

"Our team performed very well, and I'm proud that our wrestlers honored Native American culture through their efforts and sportsmanship," Zhang said.

Evergreen defeated #11-ranked (NAIA) Southern Oregon University 26-19 on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the CRC. It was the Geoducks' first dual match win over a nationally ranked opponent since women's wrestling was added at Evergreen prior to the 2023-24 season.

The Geoducks will compete again on Jan. 10-11 at the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Duals at the UNI Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The meet will feature many of the top women's wrestling teams in the nation.