Athletes of the Year

Mychal Eaglefeathers Jr.

Youth Athlete of the Year is Mychal Eaglefeathers Jr. of Billings At just 15 years old, Mychal Eaglefeathers Jr. of Billings, Montana, is already making a name for himself as one of the most talented young cornhole players in the region. An enrolled member of the Crow Tribe and of Northern Cheyenne heritage, Mychal has become a standout competitor who is pursuing an ambitious goal—to become one of the youngest Native American professional cornhole players in the country through the American Cornhole League (ACL).

Mychal’s accomplishments are remarkable for any athlete, let alone one so young. In Big Sky State Games competition, he has accumulated five Gold medals, one Silver medal, and one Bronze medal while competing exclusively in adult divisions. The most recent 2026 Big Sky State Games proved especially memorable as Mychal competed in the highly competitive Upper Division against Montana’s top adult players. He captured the bronze medal in Upper Division Singles and teamed up with his father to win another gold medal in Upper Division Doubles. In 2024 at age 12, he was the Gold medal winner in the Upper Division singles division. 

Mychal discovered his passion for cornhole at just nine years old. What began as a backyard pastime quickly developed into a highly competitive pursuit. By age 10, he was competing in tournaments and challenging seasoned adult players across Montana. Today, he continues to compete against opponents of all ages and has earned a reputation for his advanced shot-making abilities, including his impressive aerial and roll game.

A student in Billings, Montana, Mychal balances school, travel, and tournament competition while steadily climbing the ranks of the cornhole world. His family has been an integral part of his journey. His father, Mychal Eaglefeathers Sr., originally picked up the sport simply so he would not have to sit on the sidelines watching his son play. Their shared passion has since grown into a successful father-son partnership that regularly competes together in doubles tournaments throughout the region.

His success extends far beyond the Big Sky State Games. Mychal has won numerous tournaments throughout Montana and neighboring states and has earned back-to-back Montana Regional Championship titles. The next step in Mychal’s journey is earning his professional card through the American Cornhole League. He has received invitations to compete at major national ACL events, including the Myrtle Beach Signature Open in South Carolina.

Those who have watched Mychal’s development have little doubt that his future in the sport is bright. Big Sky State Games Cornhole Commissioner Mel McDuffie summed it up best: “If Mychal challenges you to play for a set of your bags, I wouldn’t recommend it. Mychal’s goal is to become an ACL Pro, and there’s no doubt he will make it.”

With his talent, determination, and unwavering support from his family and community, he is well on his way to achieving his dream of becoming an American Cornhole League professional and inspiring the next generation of athletes along the way.