NB3 Foundation is excited to introduce the 2022 NB3FIT Youth Golf Team. The team is made up of 15 elite Native youth golfers ages 13 to 17 from across the state of New Mexico. Many Native youth face a number of barriers when pursuing high levels of competition in golf. The NB3FIT Golf Team was established in 2021 to help bridge the gap by providing skills training, equipment, tournament opportunities and youth development through mentorship and community service.
“Being selected for the NB3FIT Golf Team is an opportunity for young Native golfers to pursue their passion for excellence in golf, contribute to their communities and serve as positive role models to their peers,” Clint Begay, director of NB3FIT said.
The golf team meets in-person twice a month to practice and work on youth development activities together. When not together, follow practice plans they have been provided by NB3FIT coaches. Each player is committed to attending at least 10 golf tournaments through August and will also develop a community service plan, completing at least five hours of community service each month.
Last year’s team graduated three seniors, all three moving on to attend college and one of the three received a gold scholarship and is currently playing golf at Division II college. NB3FIT Golf team members were also top finishers in the girls and boys 18 and under divisions at last year’s NB3 Foundation’s national Native Youth Golf Championship.
All the high school aged team members play golf for their schools and many will be competing in the NMAA State Golf Tournament next weekend May 7-8.
The state tournament marks the start of a busy summer for the team. Each golfer will play at least 10 more tournaments; a combination of NB3 Junior Golf Tour and Sun Country Classic tournaments. Each tournament providing the opportunity to advance their golf skills to compete at all levels.
2022 NB3FIT Youth Golf Team
Angelo Martinez, 13, Albuquerque, NM, Hispanic, Bosque Prep
Zachary BlueEyes, 15, Kirtland, NM, Dine’, Kirtland Central High School
Tristen Toledo, 16, Albuquerque, NM, Pueblo of Jemez, St. Pius X High School
Ardell John, 16, Kirtland, NM, Diné, Kirtland Central High School
Skyler Woods, 16, Kirtland, NM, Diné, Kirtland Central High School
Luke James, 16, Gallup, NM, Diné, Miyamura High School
Noah Pozernick, 16, Gallup, NM, Diné, Miyamura High School
Ryan Aragon Jr., 16, Albuquerque, NM, Pueblo of Laguna, Volcano Vista High School
Landen Lovato, 16, Albuquerque, NM, Diné, Cibola High School
Gabriel KnownsHisGun, 16, Albuquerque, NM, Diné, Cheyenne, Crow, Cibola High School
Adiance Cheromiah, 17, Laguna, NM, Pueblo of Laguna, Laguna-Acoma
Dallas Dan, 14, Kirtland, NM, Diné, Kirtland Middle School
Elysse Woods, 14, Kirtland, NM, Diné, Kirtland Middle School
Alyssandra Rodriguez, 14, Albuquerque, NM, Mescalero Apache/Hispanic, West Mesa High School
Maddison Long, 15, Albuquerque, NM, Coeur d’Alene/Dine’, Volcano Vista High School
