Shoni Schimmel wins gold medal

Shoni Schimmel Wins GOLD as USA Defeats Russia–First American Indian WUG Gold Medalist

By Brent CahweeThe United States women's university basketball team defeated the host country and home favorite Russia in the gold medal game at the 2013 World University Games by a final score of 90-71.

With the win, the USA women became the first country to win the gold medal a record nine times in this event and this was also their third straight gold medal, they won in 2011 and 2009. Leading the way for the American squad was Bria Hartley UCONN, she scored 17 points and had one assist.

Indian country's own Shoni Schimmel, Louisville, from the Umatilla Indian Reservation, saw limited action in the final few rounds of the tournament but finally got on the court at about the four minute mark in the fourth quarter. Although she didn't finish with any points in this particular game Shoni made huge contributions for the USA ladies in the early rounds of the tournament. In the opening round, Shoni had a game high nine assist and added thirteen points which sparked a record run for the US team as they finished the game with thirty-four assist in a win over Mali which beat a previous Team USA record of twenty-seven. In the next game against the Czech Republic Shoni contributed six points and against Brazil Shoni added four points and four assist in that contest.And:With the win over the Russians, Shoni becomes the first American Indian, for women's university basketball, to earn a gold medal at these university games. Former Arizona State standout Ryneldi Becenti, Navajo, played for the 1993 USA Women's squad that earned a bronze medal. Both ladies remain as the only American Indian participants for the USA world university team.Comment:  For more on Shoni Schimmel, see Schimmel Sisters Inspire Native Girls and Schimmel Sisters Advance to Final Four.

Below:  "Shoni Schimmel (center) shows off her GOLD with teammates."