Natives to Know: Shiloh “Shy” LeBeau

Diné and Cheyenne River Sioux 

One of Shy Lebeau’s favorite spots in Lawrence, Kansas, is the Haskell Memorial Stadium. The stadium was funded entirely by Native Americans, and dedicated to the “Haskell Warriors” who served in World War II. LeBeau was a runner in college and spent a lot of time hustling around that stadium track as a Haskell student. But it was an off-track run that changed the course of her life. 

One day, Shy was running around her hometown when she came across a boxing gym. As she explained to a local news reporter, she was intimidated when she first walked in. But she enjoyed the rush she got from the pain and soreness that accompanied boxing. She also liked that the sport provided a needed outlet for the “reckless” energy that had gotten her into trouble in her past. 

Eventually, boxing became more than a workout. It evolved into a passion and a driving force for numerous major achievements and opportunities. 

In 2015, LeBeau became the first person in the state of Kansas to win an intercollegiate boxing title at the US Intercollegiate Boxing Association. Coming off that win, LeBeau became the subject of a documentary called "Shiloh" chronicling her journey as an amateur boxer. 

LeBeau went on to win another Intercollegiate Championship, earn a silver medal from Kansas state, and become a 2x Golden Gloves winner. In 2019, she was selected as a brand ambassador for Nike N7. And the single mother — who works two jobs, including one as a nurse — also dedicates time to volunteering and speaking at schools and reservations across the country. 

Recently, LeBeau has been working toward a spot on the Olympic boxing team. A severe ankle injury prevented her from gaining a bid to this year’s trials, but LeBeau is no stranger to adversity. We look forward to watching her continue to compete and represent her Native heritage with pride.