Special Guest: Matt Rama -

We welcome Matt Rama, Mahpiya Luta head girls basketball coach, to the Culture Code Basketball Podcast. He shares how his coaching philosophy has shaped his team’s culture, the importance of Lakota language and spirituality in shaping individual identity, the role of strong coach–player relationships in sustaining success, and the lessons learned from the challenges of coaching. He also reflects on why his definition of success is defined not by championships, but by the journey itself.

Under Coach Rama's leadership Mahpiya Luta made its fourth State ‘A’ Tournament appearance in five seasons in 2025, finishing as runner-up, and secured a fourth straight Lakota Nation Invitational championship in 2024.