PENDLETON — Kola Shippentower has done everything from mixed martial arts to acting to bodybuilding and buffalo hunting. Now, the Umatilla tribal member is adding football player to her resumé.

Shippentower, 34, has signed to play with the Oregon Ravens of the Women’s National Football Conference.

“It’s a cool opportunity,” Shippentower said. “That’s kinda the big motivation behind MMA, it’s male dominated. With that sport and this one, I want to be able to show my boys they don’t have to look to mainstream media to find inspiration and guidance. I want them to know they can do whatever they want.”

She said it also shows young people on the reservation that there are opportunities out there.

“If one of our own is doing really good, we are all winning,” Shippentower said. “There are so many indigenous girls who are doing wrestling, rugby and other sports. It has been cool to see that happen.”

It was through an MMA competition that Shippentower happened upon the Ravens.

“I have been traveling the country for about 12 years for competitions,” she said. “There are IBJJF competitions that we go to. Last year, we went to the one in L.A. One of the girls I competed against, she ended up winning, but we ended up being friends.”

Shippentower and her new friend began to follow each other on Instagram.

“When she started playing football, I thought that was badass,” Shippentower said. “I saw their team was playing Oregon. I went to their page and filled out the form. Their general manager (Kim Pardon) started following me. She called and invited me to a practice. That’s how it happened. The power of social media.”

Women’s football

The Ravens, who are based in Milwaukie, joined the WNFC in 2019, then the coronavirus pandemic wiped out the 2020 season. The Ravens played their first game in 2021.

Asia Wisecarver, who replaced Pardon as GM last month, is excited to have a player with the various talents that Shippentower possesses.

“One of the things in my short time in knowing her, is the level of commitment and dedication, her work on the field, and driving from there to be here,” Wisecarver said. “She has got a lot of great qualities and has excelled in other sports too. That commitment and dedication is very valuable to them, our culture and organization. How cool is it to be a representative of her tribe? I’m excited for her to have the support, and what is real and true as a tribal member.”

Wisecarver has been around women’s football over the past 20 years as a player, coach and GM. She has degrees from Linfield and University of Portland.

“My professional background and football background are needed for this team,” she said.

The Ravens are a diverse group of players of varying ages, ethnic backgrounds, professions and disabilities.

Shippentower is an elder support specialist on the reservation, and not the only team member with indigenous ties.

The team’s hydration specialist, Misty Bailey, is a Grande Ronde tribal member, while player Jen Southall is one-third Cherokee, and is deaf.

“The diversity and inclusion are central to the league standards and ours,” Wisecarver said. “Young people and those in their 50s coming together. That is unique.”

Shippentower attended the WNFC National Signing Day on Jan. 5, at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Portland.

She will wear No. 29, but her position has not yet been decided.

“That is a big question,” she said. “I hope to try out for running back and linebacker because of my build. Coach (Tim) Price was like ‘get over there with the quarterbacks.’ One player (Keky Duran) who is amazing, and a veteran on the team, played catch with me. We have camp this weekend and I still hope to try out for running back and linebacker. If they need me at another position, I will adapt to that as well.”

The WNFC plays by college rules, with a few variations.

Teams provide the uniforms, but players provide their own cleats, mouthguard, and girdle with built-in pads.

The players do not get paid, but do get travel reimbursement if they meet the requirements.

“They have to be fully committed to the team” Wisecarver said of travel costs. “The players don’t get paid, yet. The goal of the league and team is that they will.”

The Ravens have a six-game schedule this season, with three home games — the Las Vegas Legends (April 27), the Seattle Majestics (May 4) and the San Diego Rebellion (May 11). All home games are at Milwaukie High School.

Leaving a legacy

When Shippentower first started taking martial arts classes, it was for her and her three boys. As a domestic violence and sexual assault survivor, she wanted to be able to protect herself and her family.

It has grown from there.

Shippentower is very involved with programs on the reservation, from the youth and the elderly, to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls organization.

“Any of us should be able to do this,” she said. “Any of these things that our indigenous people are facing, we can do something with it. It’s the same with sports. It has been pretty cool having girls come up over the years and say ‘I follow you on Instagram.’ ”

She said it’s not only the youth, but the elders on the reservation are taking note of what she has been doing.

“They want to know that they are leaving something good behind,” Shippentower said of the elders. “That we can pick up where they left off. Our elders are making sure this fight will go on. I have picked up advocating for our family members as well with the MMIWG.”

For now, Shippentower is preparing for the Ravens camp, then it will be back to the grind next week, and maybe a buffalo hunt in the near future.

“Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready,” she said. “That has been my motto for a long time.”