Join us in recognizing two members of the NB3 Foundation Youth Council: WynterRose Sheka (#22, Tohatchi High School Senior) and Marcus Tenorio (#12, Santa Fe Indian School Freshman)!
These two athletes are not only standouts on the court, but also passionate mentors and advocates off the court. As youth council members, they show up for their communities, lead by example, and uplift their peers by promoting healthy futures for Native youth.
Their advice to younger athletes:
“To the young ones out there — keep pushing towards your goals. Even if it’s a small milestone, it’s still a step towards your bigger goals. You got this!”
— Marcus
“In any sport, you need to have the IQ — understand the game. Be in the gym every day whether it’s running, shooting, or ball handling. Eat healthy and take care of yourself. Self-care matters as you grow. And always express your feelings to your parents or a trusted family member.”
— WynterRose (2025 First Team All-District Selection & District Co-MVP, 3A All State, NM All Star)
At the NB3 Foundation, we believe in the power of simple, positive changes to build strong, healthy Native youth and families. One of the easiest and most impactful changes we can all make is choosing water first and that’s the message we’re taking on the road with our Water First! Drink Up trailer.
This mobile hydration station is more than just a trailer – it’s a fun, interactive way to engage youth and families around the importance of drinking water over sugar-sweetened beverages. We bring the trailer to community and family-friendly events, offering fruit-infused waters for youth to try and enjoy. It’s a refreshing way to learn about healthy hydration!
Along with water samples, we provide educational materials and giveaways to help young people and their families understand how choosing water can support healthier lifestyles and stronger communities.
Want the Trailer at Your Event?
We love being out in the community and welcome invitations to events that align with our mission. If you’re planning a community, school or health-focused event and would like to request the Water First! Drink Up trailer, simply fill out our online request form.
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We’re halfway through another incredible NB3FIT Soccer season, and we’re proud to report 113 youth registered across multiple sites: learning, growing and having fun on and off the field!
This season, we’re supported by an amazing team of 10 volunteer coaches, some returning and some new to NB3FIT:
Jared Lesansee – North Domingo Baca Park (Returning)
Aleia Aguilar – Santo Domingo School (New)
Shantael Booqua – Native American Community Academy (Returning)
Tymera Booqua – Native American Community Academy (Returning)
Lloyd Padilla – Bernalillo High School (New)
Alex Quiver – Pueblo of Laguna (Returning)
Adelbert Quiver – North Domingo Baca Park (Returning)
Brenda Herrera – Santo Domingo School (New)
Andrew Garcia – Santo Domingo & North Domingo Baca (New)
Carley Tafoya – Dulce (New)
All coaches have completed required trainings, including U.S. Center for SafeSport, U.S. Soccer Grassroots Coaching, and NB3 Foundation’s in-person Youth Soccer Coach Training. These volunteers generously give their time to create safe, fun, and empowering environments for our youth — and we are truly grateful for each of them!
Special Shoutouts
We want to highlight a few coaches who have gone above and beyond by organizing practices and forming teams in their own communities and schools:
Shantael and Tymera Booqua – Native American Community Academy
Alex Quiver – Pueblo of Laguna
Carley Tafoya – Dulce, NM
Your dedication is bringing soccer directly to Native youth in meaningful and lasting ways. Thank you for your commitment!
What’s up with the new format?
This season introduced a new academy-style layout — and parents are loving it! This format ensures every child plays multiple games every Saturday, even if some teammates can’t make it. It also allows youth to meet peers from other communities, build friendships and create lasting memories.
Thank You to Our Partners
Big thanks to Bernalillo High School for allowing us to use their fields for games and to Santo Domingo School for providing practice space. Your support makes it all possible.
As we look ahead to the rest of the season, we’re excited to keep seeing these players grow, connect and thrive through the game!
Coach Janee draws up at play during a timeout for Team NB3F Black.
505 Thunder took 2nd place at the Glen YellowCloud Tournament.
Alanna Barton received All Tourney at the Glenn YellowCloud Tournament in Ruisdoso, N.M.
Team NB3F Black battle it out in their first at the 10th annual Coronado Classic.
We are proud to share an exciting update from our NB3FIT Girls Basketball program. What started with tryouts for an 8th grade team has grown into a dynamic collaboration with two additional Native-led teams — creating space for young female athletes to compete, grow and thrive both on and off the court.
Building the Teams
We kicked off the season by forming an NB3FIT 8th grade girls team, solidifying a strong 10-player roster. Shortly after, we expanded our program by partnering with two Native-led teams:
505 Thunder (JV/Varsity) – Coached by Darin Begay
NB3F-Starz (6th grade) – Coached by Chris Sandoval and Reyes Roberts
Each team incorporates NB3 Foundation’s teachings and embraces our four core areas during practices. The players represent a wide range of communities including Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and the Pueblos of Sandia, San Felipe, Jemez, Laguna, Isleta, San Juan, Tesuque, Acoma, and Taos. We’re also proud to have representation from the Navajo Nation, Yu’Pik, Tohono O’odham, Wailacki, Akimel O’odham, and Lakota Nations.
More Than Basketball: Teaching Life Skills
Basketball practice is more than drills and plays — it’s about shaping leaders and teammates. So far, our teachings have included:
Positive self-talk and visualization
Teamwork and problem-solving
Fueling our bodies with fruits, veggies, and water
Learning how to be a good teammate and community member
Tournament Play and Big Wins
All three teams made their tournament debut at the 10th Annual Coronado Classic (April 3–6), competing against teams from Albuquerque, Bernalillo, and Santa Fe. The results:
NB3F-Starz (6th grade) – Champions 505 Thunder Varsity – Second Place Team NB3F Black – Showed heart and effort in their first bracket play game
Most recently, the Varsity team traveled to Mescalero, NM to play in the Glenn Yellowcloud Memorial Tournament. They faced teams from Magdalena, Tularosa, Ruidoso, and Mescalero, and finished as runners-up, with Alanna Barton named to the All-Tournament Team. Meanwhile, the 6th and 8th grade teams held it down locally in the East/West Tournament, playing hard and continuing to learn and grow.
Player Highlight: Penny Helgeland’s Redemption Moment
The 6th grade team made it to the championship game, the score was tied with a few seconds left in regular time. Penny Helgeland had the ball, attempting a shot. She was fouled; regular time ended. She went to the line to shoot her two free throws. If she made one, they would win the game. She missed both and she was visibly upset. As she walked to her team, they all stood up clapped for her and hyped her up for overtime. Later, with the last 8 sec of overtime, the Starz were up and needed to inbound the ball in the back court, under the other team’s basket. If the other team stole the ball, they had a chance to win the game. The ball was passed to Penny . She grabbed the ball, ripped through defense confidently and took care of the ball to secure their win. Throughout that whole game the team picked each other up and won the championship game.
Looking Ahead
This summer, our teams will continue to compete in local and select out-of-state tournaments. Though the partnerships are still new, it’s been powerful to see how the teachings are being put into action — through resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
The NB3 Foundation is proud to support these incredible athletes and looks forward to what’s next. Together, we’re building more than basketball teams — we’re nurturing future leaders.
/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NB3F-Black-10th-Annual.jpg11572046NB3 Foundation/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/nb3logo.pngNB3 Foundation2025-04-16 22:01:362025-04-18 04:52:39NB3FIT Girls Basketball Teams: Competing, Growing and Uplifting Each Other
We’re excited to welcome Jared as the newest member of the NB3 Foundation team!
Driven by a deep commitment to serving and empowering Native youth, Jared (Pueblos of Jemez and Zuni) joins NB3 Foundation with a passion for supporting young people in reaching their full potential. What drew him to the foundation was the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are equally invested in uplifting Indigenous communities through health, wellness and culture.
A key motivator behind his decision to join the team was the positive impact of the NB3FIT program staff, whose dedication to creating meaningful youth experiences through physical activity, healthy nutrition, cultural connections and youth development left a lasting impression. He looks forward to learning from each team member and is especially eager to work alongside the NB3 Foundation Youth Council on upcoming projects aimed at inspiring peer engagement and positive community impact.
Outside of work, Jared is a familiar face at the Pueblo Crossroads fun run series, where he actively participates to connect with different communities and encourage local running traditions. A dedicated athlete, he recently discovered a love for marathon racing. In just the past year, he’s competed in the Bataan Death March Marathon at White Sands Missile Range, the Ace of Races Marathon at Holloman AFB and the Las Vegas Rock ‘N Roll Half Marathon. One of his personal goals is to complete the World Marathon Majors, beginning with the Chicago Marathon.
In addition to his running journey, Jared also volunteers as a NB3FIT coach and enjoys spending time at the gym. His energy, enthusiasm and commitment to youth development makes him a valuable addition to the NB3 Foundation team.
/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Jared-Lesansee.png29862389NB3 Foundation/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/nb3logo.pngNB3 Foundation2025-04-16 17:24:162025-04-18 04:45:17Welcome to the Team: Jared Lesansee Joins NB3 Foundation
For 20 years, the NB3 Foundation has been empowering Native youth and communities through sports, health and leadership programs. Founded in 2005 by Notah Begay III (Diné/Pueblos of San Felipe and Isleta), a four-time PGA Tour winner and NBC Sports/Golf Channel analyst, we’ve helped thousands of Native youth stay healthy and active!
Where it all started:
Starting with a junior golf program led by Notah’s father, Notah Begay, Jr., Native youth from the Albuquerque area were introduced to golf, a sport often out of reach for both rural and urban Native American youth. This program served as an introduction to the positive impact sports can make on a young person’s life: discipline, goal-setting, etiquette, pride and health.
As the NB3 Foundation’s scope and reach expanded, additional programs were created to further address Native children’s health through sports and physical activity. In 2009, the NB3 Foundation launched a comprehensive health and wellness program to ensure a holistic approach in addressing childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes among Native American children. Additionally, the foundation initiated a soccer program at the Pueblo of San Felipe, which included the first-of-its-kind professional sports field at a pueblo.
Where we are today: The NB3 Foundation continues to grow, collaborating with community to drive lasting impact in Native youth health:
NB3FIT is a direct youth leadership and development program currently serving Native American and tribal communities in New Mexico. Through sports programs, NB3FIT provides direct programming designed to get Native youth healthy and active. NB3FIT hires young adults from the surrounding tribal communities to mentor and coach Native youth. Through curriculum-based programming, the coaches encourage our four core areas: Physical Activity, Healthy Nutrition, Youth Development and Cultural Connections.
Community Empowerment is providing Native American communities, tribes and Native-led organizations with resources, tools, information and inspiration needed to create measurable impact and sustainable change in their own communities that benefit their children’s health. NB3 Foundation approaches its work community partners by recognizing that Native American communities have inherent knowledge, assets and values to address Native children’s health. By employing a variety of funding pathways, communities are able to focus their efforts at the levels they believe would have the most impact.
Evaluation and Research works to further Indigenize evaluation and research practices that reflect and respect the communities we serve. We do this by honoring community knowledge, stories and practices that have supported centuries of resiliency and determination. When communities are the architects of their own evaluation approach and their own research agenda, then the measures, impacts and knowledge gained are owned by and matter to the community.
Where We’re Going – Join Us!
For our 20th anniversary, we’re asking you to give $20 in honor of 20 years to support Native youth. Your donation helps:
Expand sports programs to more communities
Train and hire Native coaches and mentors
Build sustainable, community-led solutions
Together, we can make the next 20 years even stronger!
The foundation continues to offer programs throughout the year such as Jr. Golf, Soccer, Track, Cross-Country, Basketball and more. Your support will help us continue these programs in communities for years to come!
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The first practice of the season was held in Pueblo of Santo Domingo on Tuesday, March 11. Pratices will continue through the week in Bernalillo and Albuquerque.
NB3 Foundation’s Evaluation and Research team onsite in Pueblo of Santo Domingo to help youth with knowledge kits (surveys) that will help measure impact and improve the program for future seasons.
Volunteer coaches will play an integral role in helping make the season a success for youth in program.
NB3FIT Soccer has officially launched, welcoming roughly 105 youth participants for a season dedicated to skill development, game knowledge and teamwork. Designed with an academy-style approach, the season will provide flexibility for youth to practice, compete and grow in an encouraging and structured environment.
At the heart of the program’s success are the dedicated volunteer coaches and game managers who show up each week to mentor and guide the players. Each coach receives training and certification before stepping onto the field, ensuring they are equipped to teach the game and support participants in their development. Their commitment helps create a positive space for players of all levels to improve and enjoy the game.
In addition to skill building, NB3 Foundation’s Evaluation and Research team will be present in the beginning and end of season, working with youth to distribute and collect knowledge kits (surveys) designed to measure the impact of the program. These surveys will help assess skill development, their confidence levels, knowledge of healthy habits and overall well-being. By gathering this information, we can continue to refine and improve the program, ensuring it meets the needs of participants and creates long term benefits.
Soccer has long been a flagship program and the organization remains committed to its continued success. Beyond the game, the program plays an important role in promoting health, teamwork and leadership among Native youth. Through structured practices, friendly competition and meaningful evaluation, participants gain life skills.
With another promising season ahead, the dedication of coaches, families and community members ensures that soccer will continue to be a thriving part of the foundation’s mission to support the health and well-being of Native youth.
Get ready to Hydrate Your Hustle and be part of an exciting movement that’s all about fueling your body, mind, and passions with water! On Saturday, March 22, at 3 p.m., we’re going live on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for an interactive Hydrate Your Hustle Launch Party, packed with special guests, fun games, inspiring talks and exciting giveaways.
This event will feature Lori Chavez, Bernalillo Public Schools Teacher of the Year and comedian, Amanda Cheromiah—better known as Dr. Cheromiah on TikTok—along with NB3 Foundation youth leaders Nate and Jillian. They’ll be sharing their stories, having fun, and encouraging youth to take the Hydrate Your Hustle Pledge – a commitment to drinking more water to fuel their energy, performance and well-being.
By tuning in, you’ll not only learn about the Hydrate Your Hustle campaign but also have the chance to win awesome prizes and participate in interactive challenges. Whether you’re an athlete, artist, student or just looking to live a healthier life, this movement is for you!
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Water Melon heads (white) and Trail Blazers pose for a friendly group photo before battling it out in our 7 and under division.
Dulce’s Baby Eagles prepare to take the court
The NB3 Foundation Basketball League delivered an unforgettable experience Saturday, Feb. 8, as 200 athletes, ages 10 and under, competed at The Pit, one of New Mexico’s most iconic basketball venues.
Families, coaches and community members filled the stands, cheering on their young athletes as they competed on the same court that has hosted countless Lobo greats. The all day event showcased friendly competition, teamwork and memorable moments. We were excited to have a few games were live-streamed, giving supporters near and far a chance to witness the memorable day.
One highlight of the day was the arrival of the “Baby Eagles” team from Dulce, N.M., whose players have been traveling 300 miles round trip to compete in the league.
Adding to the excitement, Notah Begay III made a special appearance, greeting families and stepping in as a referee for one of the games, creating an unforgettable moment for players and fans.
For many participants, playing at The Pit was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, highlighting the role of community and youth sports in building confidence, leadership and personal growth
We express our sincere gratitude to UNM Athletics, league sponsor Black Mesa Travel center and community supporters for making the event possible. With ongoing support, the foundation strives to create more opportunities for young athletes across our NB3FIT programs.
/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DSC_3242.png45413243NB3 Foundation/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/nb3logo.pngNB3 Foundation2025-02-10 22:35:092025-02-13 19:41:34NB3 Foundation Basketball League Shines at The Pit
The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Hydrate Your Hustle campaign. With the growing awareness of the health risks associated with sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs), Hydrate Your Hustle offers a proactive, youth-centered campaign designed to empower Native youth to make healthier drink choices. By reaching youth at a time when habits are forming, this initiative can help them make better decisions about what they drink, setting them up for better health in the long run. The campaign will provide online resources, education and exclusive promotional items to help motivate youth to fuel their unique hustles by drinking water.
“Hydrate Your Hustle is not just a campaign; it’s a movement to reclaim our health. By choosing water, we honor our bodies and our traditions. We hope to inspire our youth to make decisions that will benefit them for a lifetime.”
Hydrate Your Hustle builds on years of dedicated work focused on promoting healthy hydration and combating the impact of SSBs within Native communities. Rooted in the cultural value of water as a life source, the campaign encourages youth to stay hydrated with water, infused waters and traditional natural teas. This initiative extends our commitment to uplifting Native communities, promoting positive health outcomes and ensuring future generations are equipped to stay healthy and strong in their daily hustles.
Take the Pledge
As part of the campaign, we invite youth and families to take the Hydrate Your Hustle Pledge. By committing to choose water as their primary drink, participants can contribute to a healthier community. Native youth are encouraged to share their stories about why they are choosing water, highlighting personal motivations and cultural connections that inspire them.
Spread the Word: Encourage friends and family to join the campaign and share their journeys on social media using the hashtag #NB3F #HydrateYourHustle.
Get incentives: Youth participants will have their stories featured and receive incentives including a sticker pack, water bottle and t-shirt!
Join us for this exciting campaign to empower Native youth with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed choices about their health. Our goal is to create a space where everyone can learn, engage and share the importance of staying hydrated.
Join us for a special live-stream event on Saturday, March 22, and be part of the movement! This exciting event will highlight the importance of hydration, feature inspiring speakers and give participants the opportunity to take the pledge together. Plus, we’ll have exclusive giveaways during the live stream! Follow us on social media @NB3Foundation and stay tuned for more details on how to watch live. Let’s hydrate, hustle and make an impact together!
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