Building More Than Athletes: Brent Rush on the Impact of the Native American Athletic Foundation

By Katlyn Zdeb.

Brent Rush didn’t take a straight path to where he is today, but that journey is exactly what led him to the Native American Athletic Foundation (NAAF). Now working in tribal engagement for Enbridge and serving as both a board member and volunteer, Rush brings a perspective shaped by his professional background and his personal connection to Native communities. 

Growing up in primarily California, Rush described a childhood rooted in resilience and hard work, influenced by his family’s history during the Dust Bowl migration. Like many young people, he wasn’t sure what direction to take. “I had no clue what I wanted to do,” he said, recalling how he started at community college before exploring radio, public relations, and eventually earning degrees in information technology. His career ultimately led him into roles that focused on community engagement, eventually working with tribal communities and reconnecting with his own heritage as a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

Rush first became involved with the Native American Athletic Foundation through its leadership, but it was the passion behind the mission that truly drew him in. “You can tell instantly when someone is all in,” he said. “It’s hard not to be inspired by that.” Through his role, he represents Enbridge as a sponsor while also dedicating his time as a board member and volunteer at events such as the Native All-American football games. Those experiences have given him a firsthand look at the foundation’s impact. 

While athletics serve as the foundation’s entry point, Rush emphasizes that its purpose goes far beyond the game itself. “It’s so much more than just sponsoring a team,” he explained. “These kids are meeting others from across the country, building connections, and working with professional-level coaches they might never have access to otherwise.” In just a few days, athletes are immersed in an environment that fosters growth, confidence, and a sense of belonging that extends well beyond the field. 

Some of the most meaningful moments, he said, happen before the competition even begins. Watching athletes walk onto the field wrapped in their tribal flags is something that continues to stand out. “You see that pride,” Rush said, reflecting on how powerful it is to witness young people openly embracing their identity. He noted that for previous generations, that kind of expression wasn’t always encouraged, making these moments even more significant today.

Beyond the athletes themselves, Rush sees the ripple effect of the foundation reaching entire communities. From families cheering in the stands to communities coming together to help athletes travel to events, the experience is shared on many levels. In fact, he believes that simply getting athletes to participate is a success in itself. “It takes communities coming together…that’s powerful,” he said. 

That sense of community is one of the reasons Enbridge continues to support the foundation. With a long-standing commitment to Indigenous communities across North America, the company views its involvement as both a responsibility and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. “We don’t want to tell communities what they need, we listen,” Rush explained, noting that programs like NAAF are consistently identified as valuable by the communities themselves. 

For Rush, one of the most rewarding aspects of his involvement is seeing the growth that happens in such a short period of time. Confidence builds quickly, leadership begins to emerge, and athletes leave with more than just memories of competition. “Those leadership skills are already in them, it just takes the right environment to bring them out,” he said. Even for those who do not continue into collegiate or professional sports, the lessons they gain – teamwork, discipline, and self-belief – carry into every future path they pursue.

Looking ahead, Rush sees the Native American Athletic Foundation continuing to expand its reach, both in the number of sports offered and in opportunities for young women. More importantly, he hopes to see the long-term impact unfold over time. He imagines reconnecting with athletes years down the line and hearing how their experiences shaped their lives, confident that the foundation is building something that will last. 

When asked what advice he would give to young Native athletes, Rush kept it simple: take the opportunity. “Don’t hesitate,” he said. “Learn everything you can from it.” It’s a message that reflects not only his belief in the foundation, but also his own journey. One built on exploration, growth, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities. 

In the end, Rush believes the Native American Athletic Foundation is about something much bigger than sports. It’s about creating a strong foundation for young athletes. One that supports them long after the final whistle and helps shape who they become for the rest of their lives.

To get involved with the Native American Athletic Foundation, email us at director@nativeamericanathleticfoundation.org

Katlyn Zdeb is a Media Arts & Design student at James Madison University with a focus in sports communication, working with the Native American Athletic Foundation, where she creates content and shares stories that highlight Native athletes and their impact.