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KAYENTA, Ariz. – In one simple word, the Northern Arizona volleyball team's trip to Kayenta on Saturday was a success. A long day that started with two youth clinics and ended with a traditional Navajo taco meal, the Lumberjacks enjoyed a fulfilling day at Monument Valley High School in a unique opportunity to give back on the Navajo Nation.

"It was a really great two-way situation," said head coach Ken Murphy. "We received a lot of good feedback that our players were impactful and that their message mattered. The other side of that, for our players it showed them how powerful their words and actions can be. They enjoyed the opportunity to make an impact on a community this past weekend."

NAU opened the day by hosting two clinics for kids ranging from as young as kindergarten through high school, teaching fundamentals and encouraging friendly competition through games. Over 100 kids combined attended the two clinics from a community rich in volleyball tradition – Monument Valley High School has won a total of nine state high school championships.

Following the clinics, the Kayenta community came out in full force to watch the Lumberjacks' first spring match against South Mountain Community College. With a couple hundred fans in attendance, NAU enjoyed an impressive spring debut coming off its Big Sky Championship season last fall. By the end of the afternoon, the two teams were treated to authentic Navajo tacos by the Monument Valley High School staff, capping an amazing day.

Saturday's visit to Monument Valley was just another step in NAU Athletics' continued push to inspiring all of Northern Arizona and making connections within the Native American community. Other initiatives included the men's basketball team playing a game at Window Rock in November and hosting Lumberjack Spirit Day in February as well as the soccer team's visit to Tuba City this past weekend.