Miller also is among a new generation
that is gaining more experience in the field game. “For me, there were always a few
players that I looked up to,” said Jeremy Thompson, an important ambassador for that new generation and a former standout at Syracuse who now suits up for the NLL’s Edmonton Rush and MLL’s Florida Launch. “That number has just grown, and those guys are walking by example, proving it by example, and showing the younger and younger ones that there are a lot of possibilities taking that route, instead of just kind of hanging back and staying on the reserves.” Miller, 19, had 38 goals and 19
assists this season, adding a new dimension to a talented and deep core of Pioneers. Denver reached its third final four in the last four seasons — falling to Duke in the semifinal — and Miller gave the Pioneers a valuable left-handed option on attack that they haven’t had since Mark Matthews left in 2012. “I just have a deep love for the game,”
Miller said. “Every time I go out, I just have fun with it and I give it my all. I play as hard as I can and just always try to get better. It’s just the attitude I have. The whole team carries that around with them. Every time I step on the field, I try to represent who I am, where I came from. Everyone knows that you go out and play for the right reasons. You play to honor the Creator and because you love the game.” Miller is one of 44 players in consideration for what some say will be the best Iroquois roster in history, four years after a passport dispute kept them from competing. But he has a big advantage due to his experience with the Iroquois Nationals at the 2012 under-19 world games in Finland, where in round-robin play, an Iroquois team beat the United States for the first time ever in international field competition. “We’ll probably be a little younger than
some of the other top teams, but I think we will make up for lack of experience and age with ability, skill and flat-out dedication and commitment to each other,” said Iroquois Nationals coach Steve Beville, who said Miller’s extensive field lacrosse experience works in his favor. Miller also has the ability to face off, run with the midfield or play attack. For Miller, representing the Iroquois Confederacy on the international stage would be the culmination of a lifelong dream.
A Publication of US Lacrosse July 2014 >> LACROSSE MAGAZINE 61
The Iroquois Nationals have never
finish higher than fourth in the world championship. That figures to change. “That’s just an honor to be playing
for the Iroquois Nation. It’s pretty much playing for your own country,” Miller said. “You are representing not only your family and community, but also all Native Americans across the country and around the world.” Miller also recognizes that he is an example to younger kids, including his 2-month-old daughter Anamaii. “He’s starting to realize that it’s not
just about him anymore. It’s helping him to really grow into a man and to take on more responsibility,” Colburn said. “He’s doing it for her, too. He has a lot of people in his life that inspire him and let him know she’ll be proud of him and he needs to keep moving forward for her. “I am so proud of him. I can’t even
put it into words,” she said. “He’s an inspiration to me every day. I’ve told him this over and over, that the way he
Miller’s decision to attend Denver could pave the way for more Native Americans.
follows his dream with his whole heart, it is so amazing. There are barriers and bumps in the road, but he’s always going to keep moving forward.” Denver senior midfielder Jeremy
Noble, who also played with Miller at The Hill Academy and will suit up for Team Canada at the world games, said he could see Miller’s example as being transformative for Native Americans. “I really think he’s going to pave
the way for Native Americans,” Noble said. “I look at it from my perspective at Brodie Merrill and Chris Sanderson and how they paved the way for a lot of Ontario kids to go to the States. “In the future, people are going
to say that Zach Miller is the one who paved the way for other Native Americans. He went to Denver. I think you are going to see Native Americans following his example and not just going to New York schools.” LM
©BILL DANIELEWSKI
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