A strong sense of appreciation for her Chickasaw heritage

Born in England and raised in Oklahoma, Chickasaw citizen Katie Callaway grew up with a strong sense of respect for her native heritage. Her great-grandmother, Delta Wells, was an original enrollee with the tribe; her grandfather, Jack Wells, served as a Chickasaw tribal legislator; and her mother is an employee with the Chickasaw Nation.

Katie grew up going to Chickasaw festivals and was a member of the Governor’s Honor Club, and she notes that this appreciation of family and heritage has made her very proud to be a Chickasaw.

A 2005 graduate of Ada High School, Katie went on to attend the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, graduating with a degree in public relations. She started as a receptionist for Chesapeake Energy and is now a drilling engineer technician for the company, where she analyzes drilling for natural resources.

Growing up as a dancer and cheerleader, Katie greatly admired the Thunder Girls, the dance team for the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. She sat in the stands for six years before trying out for the team – though she didn't make it the first time, she worked tremendously on her technique and tried out again in August 2013 at Riverwind Casino in Norman in front of Miss Oklahoma Kelsey Griswald and legendary meteorologist Gary England.

After going through a grueling elimination process, Katie was one of 20 women selected for the 2013-2014 team. Her first game was the opening of the 2013 season on Sunday, November 3, against the Phoenix Suns.