OU student becomes first female Native American Sooner Schooner driver

Brianna Howard, a University of Oklahoma junior and member of the Choctaw Nation, became the first female Native American to drive the Sooner Schooner during OU’s Sept. 20 home game against Auburn, according to Central Oklahoma Weeklies. Howard, a 2023 Tuttle High School graduate, was promoted from her role with the Ruf/Nek Lil’ Sis to driver trainee this fall.

Howard said her first official run felt “surreal” after months of training. “All of those practices don’t do the real run justice,” she told Central Oklahoma Weeklies. “Once I started driving, it was like everything went silent. All I could think about was the ponies and making that turn.” She said she takes pride in representing Native people and has received encouragement from community members who expressed excitement at seeing her in the driver’s seat.