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VIDEO: Exhibiting prominence on and off the court: MESA Foundation Mentors and Empowers Student Athletes

MESA Foundation hosted summer basketball skills clinics with SDSU’s Aztecs and San Diego’s Native and military communities
Demarshay Johnson Jr., Darrion Trammell and others join the kids in a group huddle at the Inter Tribal Camp on June 17, 2023.
Demarshay Johnson Jr., Darrion Trammell and others join the kids in a group huddle at the Inter Tribal Camp on June 17, 2023.
Noelani Sapla

Over the summer, MESA Foundation San Diego partnered with Inter Tribal Sports and MCCS Youth Sports to host the Assist 2023 Basketball Skills Clinic with the Aztec men’s and women’s basketball teams.

These clinics, along with other events hosted by MESA, are part of the connection that the nonprofit organization builds amongst its athletes and the San Diego community.

Photos by Noelani Sapla

About the Contributors
Sumaia Wegner, '23-24 Managing Editor
Originally from Santa Clarita, California, Sumaia Wegner is a is a double major, studying Journalism and Communication.  She started as a staff writer for The Daily Aztec, then became Arts and Culture Editor, and is now the current Managing Editor. Aside from her leadership role, Sumaia is also a reporter for the men's basketball team. Last year she covered the Mountain West Championship as well as the NCAA Championship. Sumaia is the president of the Asian American Journalists Association (SDSU Chapter) as well as the vice president of Culture and Diversity for SDSU's College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts. She started her career as a journalist while she was traveling abroad in Bangladesh, where she was a writer for The Independent newspaper. She wrote for the “Youth and Independent” section focusing on narratives that evaluated eastern and western cultures. Sumaia has received the following awards for The Daily Aztec: "The Inspirer," "Quest for Excellence," and "Best Section." 
Noelani Sapla
Noelani Sapla, Staff Photographer, '21-22 Photo Editor
Born and raised in San Diego, Noelani is a graduate student at San Diego State University working towards a masters degree in education. She joined the Daily Aztec staff as the photo editor for the 2021-2022 year, and is currently a staff photographer. She credits the Daily Aztec for the experience and opportunities to cover the NCAA tournament in Houston where the men's basketball team played in the national championship game. While having a degree in education and teaching, Noelani's dream is to become a professional sports photographer.