Jenna SkunkCap showed up for women's basketball practice at United Tribes in her workout gear.

SkunkCap, however, looked unique. She was pulling her 14-month-old son, Shayde, in a John Deere wagon.

Once the men's team finished practice, SkunkCap handed Shayde off to his dad, Maurice St. Goddard, a freshman guard.

SkunkCap and Goddard both came to United Tribes from Browning, Mont. They have successfully combined school, parenthood and basketball. SkunkCap is majoring in elementary education and Goddard in environmental science.

"It kind of seems frustrating at times, but we're making it work," said SkunkCap, a 5-foot-10 sophomore. "This is the best decision we have made. If we were home, we'd probably be nothing. Being here has brought some light into our family, and we're both doing what we love."

SkunkCap, a point guard, has a hard time staying away from basketball. She was a Montana Class A all-stater and a well-known athlete. She was heavily recruited at all levels, including some NCAA Division I schools.

SkunkCap also stood out in volleyball and softball and was recruited.

SkunkCap's heart was set on playing Division I basketball in her home state, but she was passed over for scholarships.

"Both of my parents have high-paying jobs,"SkunkCap said. "I didn't qualify for the low income to get all this big money from the government. I was not offered a scholarship. Indians have a profile. Their stereotype is drinking and alcohol and not staying in school. You can't base every Indian athlete on that basis because I'm not like that."

SkunkCap ended up signing at Lethbridge College in Alberta. As a starter, she helped the Kodiaks win a national title at the 2007 national championships.

Then Shayde came along, and SkunkCap missed last season. But she has managed to keep her basketball skills sharp.

"I'm back to my normal size,"SkunkCap said. "Physically, I'm back in shape. One month after I had him, I played. I played until I was about eight months with him."

To UTTC

United Tribes coach Daryl Bearstail took over the head coaching reins last spring. Bearstail noticed SkunkCap when she played on a throw-together team for Black Feet Community College of Browning at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium tournament in Bismarck.

Bearstail approached SkunkCap about restarting her career and continuing her education at United Tribes.

"She can play," Bearstail said. "She can play any position on the court. She's fundamentally sound. She can handle the ball, she can score and she's a good leader on the court."

SkunkCap grew up with a basketball in her hands. She's more than eager to play competitive ball and be part of a team again.

"Something was missing in my heart," SkunkCap said. "Now, I feel whole again. This is my stepping stone. I want to get back to being known again. I don't want to go home. There isn't anything. There's a lot of alcohol abuse and drug abuse going on."

Bearstail believes SkunkCap will be a pleasant addition to the Thunderbirds. SkunkCap has been committed to being a good mother and student, and Bearstail believes that will carry over to the court.

"She's a committed mother,"Bearstail said. "She's a dedicated student. She's an honor-roll student. She's committed to her future."

New season

The Thunderbirds finished last season at 3-22 overall. United Tribes must replace the production of Colette Hawley, who averaged a double-double with 14.2 points and 10.0 rebounds a game.

United Tribes must also replace guard Brydget Rogers, who averaged 13.6 points a game, including 53 3-pointers.

Nevada Allen, a sophomore from Cannon Ball, will man the inside. Allen averaged 5.4 points and 5.6 rebounds. Tami Miller, who Bearstail coached two years ago at Shiloh Christian, will also play inside.

Also returning is Kami Otter Robe, who averaged 8.9 points a game and came on in the second half of the season and finished with 45 3-pointers.

"Our strengths will be our guard play,"Bearstail said. "I'm not seeing turnovers as a big problem. One of our weaknesses will be our size. We're not that big."

The Thunderbirds will start the season with just seven players.

Sekoya Big Horn has been sidelined with an illness. Lynda Wolf has been recovering from a hip injury. Charlee Rising Sun has missed time to attend a funeral.