Ottawa- Women from the Onondaga Nation and a few recruits formed Team Haudenosaunee to participate in the 2025 Masters Indigenous Games in Ottawa, Ontario. The Masters Indigenous Games brings together indigenous athletes from across Turtle Island to compete in a 
three day tournament from August 15-17th.
Team Haudenosaunee started the tournament in convincing fashion. The team did not drop a set in pool play. Led by setter Rhiannon Abrams, the team established their hitters Sophia Powless, Logan Booth, Grace Abrams, and Layla Issacs. Opposing teams found it challenging to go up against strong middle blocking from Kahsenniiostha Jacobs and Tiffany Cote, and exceptional defense from Erika Issacs and libero Karihwaierithon Jacobs.
The team quickly established themselves as the team to beat as they earned the overall number one seed in the tournament.
“Our practices together at Tsha Thoñ’nes really paid off,” said Powless. “We focused heavily on communication and had a good system in place. That was an advantage for us for sure.”
Going into bracket play, Team Haudenosaunee won their first morning match 25-17 and 25-08. With Rhiannon Abrams having a 19-point serving streak in the second set.
“We feel we have an advantage when we serve,” said Rhiannon Abrams. “When we are serving well, we are immediately putting pressure on their defense. That gives our passers an easier time to set up our hitters.”
And throughout the tournament, Team Haudenosaunee did just that. Powless, Booth, Grace Abrams, and the Issac sisters were putting the ball down for points; cross-court, line shots, and around the block kills were the norm.
Bottom L to R: Karihwaierithon, Layla, Erika, Rhiannon
Powless, Booth, and Rhiannon Abrams also played with other indigenous teams in the co-ed volleyball division. Powless and Booth teamed up on the Akwesasne Aces which also featured Onondaga outside hitter Haeñhyanoñha Powless (Powless’ younger brother). Abrams was pulled in as a setter to play for Akwesasne Smash. Unfortunately for Abrams and Team Haudenosaunee, she was injured during the co-ed match and was unable to play for the rest of the playoffs.
“With Rhiannon out, we all had to step it up,” said Booth. “Gracie [Abrams] immediately started warming up and did a great job setting for us but changing the offense in the middle of a tournament is tough.”
In the semifinals, Team Haudenosaunee lost to a team from Northwest Ontario (Deadly Digz), the Haudenosaunee was out of the gold medal game and therefore played for the bronze medal.
Team Haudenosaunee played Divin’ Divas from Constance Lake, Ontario and won the bronze in two sets!
“I am so happy I was able to be a part of the team, some of the best players I’ve seen, from past idols to new ones,” said Layla Issacs. “Our energy was there even though we didn’t win all the way we still did pretty amazing. Can’t wait til 2029 for the next Masters Games.”
Other medals won at the 2025 Masters Indigenous Games were Logan Booth, Sophia and Haeñhyanoñhna Powless winning the Co-Ed Volleyball Bronze medal and Haeñhyanoñhna Powless winning the Men’s Volleyball Gold medal.
“We’d also like to thank the Onondaga Nation community for supporting of our fundraising efforts,” said Abrams. “Their support helped us in making these games such a memorable experience.”
Click to watch a video highlight for Team Haudenosaunee
Roster:
#5 Grace Abrams
#11 Karihwaierithon Jacobs
#12 Kahsenniiostha Jacobs
#13 Layla Issacs
#14 Erika Issacs
#18 Logan Booth
#24 Sophia Powless
#43 Rhiannon Abrams
#44 Tiffany Cote
Coach: Haeñhyanoñhna Powless