By NB3 Foundation

Youth Spotlight: Lorenzo Leon learns lessons from the hive

NB3FIT Track & Field athlete Lorenzo Leon, 14, of the Pueblo of Acoma, is finding success both on the track and in the classroom, where his curiosity sparked an interest in beekeeping. While competing this season in the 800-meter run, 1,500-meter run, javelin and long jump, Lorenzo also completed a beekeeping project for his eighth-grade class at the Native American Community Academy (NACA).

Lorenzo’s interest in bees began when his grandmother started taking a beekeeping class and prepared to bring bees home. He and his grandfather helped build a protective enclosure for the hive, and Lorenzo soon had the opportunity to learn more through visits to the Pueblo of Laguna apiary, which is home to more than 10 hives.

Through his research, Lorenzo learned about the important roles queen bees, worker bees and drones play within a hive. He also participated in hive inspections, helping examine frames for honey, pollen and developing bees while learning how colonies work together to thrive.

As part of his project, Lorenzo interviewed local beekeepers and discovered the important role bees play in pollinating crops and supporting healthy ecosystems. He also learned lessons that extend beyond the hive, including teamwork, patience and cooperation.

“We can learn from the bees by watching them work together to keep the hive alive and growing,” Lorenzo shared in his project.

NB3 Foundation is proud to celebrate youth like Lorenzo who pursue their interests beyond sports, embrace learning opportunities and strengthen their connections to community.

To learn more about New Mexico honey bees, visit the New Mexico State University bee program website.

Read Lorenzo’s full report below!

Learning about Beekeeping
by Lorenzo Leon

I got interested in bees because my grandma was taking a class in beekeeping. She was getting ready to bring bees home, so my grandpa and I helped make her a “bee corral.” We did this because the range horses roam around where we live, and the wind blows hard sometimes. Later, I had the chance to go to the Pueblo of Laguna apiary, where they now have more than 10 hives.

A beehive has bees that perform different jobs.

The queen bee is the most important bee in the hive. Her job is to keep the bees together and lay eggs throughout her life.

Worker bees make up most of the bees in the hive. They are all females and have many jobs, including:

  • Keeping the hive clean
  • Maintaining the hive’s temperature
  • Taking care of the queen
  • Caring for eggs and larvae
  • Guarding the hive
  • Collecting nectar and pollen

During the summer, worker bees are very busy and may live about six weeks. During cooler weather, they are less busy and can live about six months.

Drones are the male bees. There are usually fewer of them. Their job is to mate with a queen bee, usually one from another hive. I learned that worker bees can push drones out of the hive because they do not help with anything else in the hive.

I learned how to help with hive inspections. We wear protective veils and suits over our faces and bodies, but I have still gotten a few bee stings. When the hive is opened, a smoker with cool smoke helps move the bees around.

We have a Langstroth hive with 10 frames. We take out each frame to see what is going on in the hive. We look to see how much nectar and pollen are stored. We look for new bees. Eggs are hard to see, so we look for larvae and new adults forming in covered honeycomb cells. We also look for the queen. She is bigger and longer than the worker bees. Sometimes she is hard to find, and it is exciting when we see her.

I interviewed two Laguna beekeepers for my project, and here are some important things to remember and think about.

Bees are important to agriculture because they help pollinate crops.

We can learn from bees by watching them work together to keep the hive alive and growing. We learn that we need to work slowly and calmly when working with bees and pay attention to what we are doing. We benefit from the gifts of bees, including honey and wax. We also need to be aware that using chemicals, such as pesticides, on plants is harmful and often deadly to bees.

I am glad I am learning about bees and have the opportunity to work with them.

 

/by
By NB3 Foundation

Laguna youth sharpen golf skills and healthy habits at summer camp


This summer, NB3 Foundation partnered with the Pueblo of Laguna Sports and Wellness Summer Program to introduce youth to the game of golf while building healthy habits that extend beyond the course.

Throughout the camp, participants learned fundamental golf skills, practiced drills and friendly competitions, and gained confidence as they developed their game. One of the highlights for coaches was seeing youth who had previously participated in the NB3FIT Junior Golf program return to camp and continue their growth in the sport.

For NB3FIT Golf Specialist, Demitrius Payne, the experience was especially meaningful.

“Seeing youth from my home community enjoy the sport of golf and continue wanting to learn the game was a highlight,” Payne said. “It was also an opportunity to get to know the younger generation and help them build skills.”

As the week progressed, campers enjoyed putting their new skills to the test through friendly competitions with their peers and coaches. The activities helped reinforce lessons learned while creating a fun and engaging environment.

In addition to golf instruction, youth participated in lessons focused on healthy nutrition, hydration, leadership development and sun safety. Campers learned the importance of staying hydrated during physical activity, choosing foods that fuel their bodies and protecting themselves from prolonged sun exposure.

These lessons are an important part of every NB3FIT camp. In addition to teaching sport-specific skills, coaches strive to ensure youth understand how to properly fuel, hydrate and care for their bodies. Participants are encouraged to apply those lessons at home, at school and in their everyday lives.

NB3 Foundation extends its appreciation to the Pueblo of Laguna Sports and Wellness staff for their support and for transporting youth to and from camp each day.

/by
By NB3 Foundation

A special end to the school year

NB3FIT coaches wrapped up the school year with Pueblo of San Ildefonso youth during Wednesday’s field day celebration. Over the past school year, coaches made the weekly drive to San Ildefonso Community Center to provide physical activity and leadership programming for students who do not currently have a physical education program. What started as a partnership quickly turned into meaningful relationships with youth, teachers and the community.

Every Wednesday became something students looked forward to, and our coaches will definitely miss seeing their faces each week. We are grateful to Pueblo of San Ildefonso for welcoming our team into the community and allowing us to be part of so many special moments this year.

Wishing all the youth, staff and families a happy, healthy and active summer.

/by
By NB3 Foundation

The work continues for NB3FIT track athletes

 

Track season is in full swing, and this year we’re proud to have our largest track team yet with 120 youth athletes participating across surrounding communities. The season has been filled with lots of practices, early mornings and long Saturdays at the track.

You can catch the team in action this Saturday at Eldorado High School for their next meet as athletes continue working toward their personal goals and preparing for the state meet.

The USATF New Mexico Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships will be held on June 13 at Albuquerque Academy, where youth will have the chance to showcase all the hard work they’ve put in this season.

/by
By NB3 Foundation

Season finale tournament: Basketball teams close out the season

The NB3FIT Basketball League wrapped up another exciting season filled with growth and teamwork across our communities. Throughout the season, youth developed their skills on the court while also building confidence, leadership skills and sportsmanship. With the support of coaches, families and community partners, this year’s league once again demonstrated that the league is about more than competition. It is about creating opportunities for youth to grow, connect and thrive.

Practice and game site hosts: Tamaya Wellness Center, San Felipe Pueblo Elementary School, Jemez Valley Public Schools, Pueblo of Sandia Education and Recreation Center, Santo Domingo Middle School, and Bernalillo High School. Their support helped us create great spaces for our athletes and families all season.

Athlete highlight Oshynn Bradford
Oshynn joined the league last season, and many staff members have noticed a lot of growth from last year to this season. During her first season, she was more timid on the court, but this year we really saw her step into a bigger role. She showed more confidence, became more aggressive on offense, improved her skills, and started taking on more of a leadership role. It has been really exciting to watch her growth this season.

Coach highlight Darin Begay
He not only refereed games this season, but also volunteered to coach. Many of his players have been with him since the very first year of the league, which says a lot about the relationships he has built with his team and families. He communicates well, stays positive, and creates an environment where kids feel supported while continuing to grow and improve.

 

Team highlight 9U Shooting Stars
In one of their games, the other team did not have enough players, and the Shooting Stars were more than willing to lend a few of their own so the game could still happen. Instead of only focusing on winning, they showed that they cared about making sure everyone had the chance to play and have fun. It was a really special moment to see from such a young group.

What made it even more special was how the Shooting Stars carried themselves during the game. When the other team started to feel discouraged, the Shooting Stars stayed positive, encouraged them, and helped keep the game fun for everyone. It was really nice to see such a young group show that kind of kindness and sportsmanship.

It was also one of the Shooting Stars players’ birthdays, which made the day even more memorable. After the game, they invited the other team to celebrate with them and enjoy a birthday treat. It ended up being a really sweet moment that was about more than just basketball. It showed kindness, inclusion, and the kind of team culture we hope all of our teams build during their season.

Here are also the first and second place team names:

7U: First- 7U-Watermelon Heads (Sandia team), Second- 7U-Dragons

9U: First- 9U- The Warriors (Dulce team), Second- 9U-Snipers

11U: First- 11U- Rez Dogs, Second- 11U- Warriors

/by
By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT coaches go the extra mile for San Ildefonso youth

Just after 9 a.m., NB3FIT coaches load equipment at the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation headquarters and begin a familiar drive north. The weekly trip takes more than an hour to reach San Ildefonso Pueblo, a close knit community where access to youth sports and physical education is limited. Every Wednesday during the 2025 to 2026 school year, NB3FIT coaches lead physical education classes for kindergarten through sixth grade students attending San Ildefonso Day School.  The San Ildefonso Day School plays an important role in the community, focusing on helping students reach their maximum potential while preserving Pueblo tradition, Tewa language and culture. The school’s mission centers on preparing students for the future while strengthening cultural identity.

The partnership began with educator Trini Solomon, who saw the impact NB3FIT programs were making in other communities and wanted similar opportunities for youth in San Ildefonso Pueblo. With no designated physical education teacher on staff, Solomon recognized a need that she hoped the NB3 Foundation could help fill. Through persistence, she was able to connect with Director of NB3FIT Clint Begay, helping move the idea toward implementation.

Trini Solomon, 2-3rd grade teacher, plays the “Snail Race” with her students during their class with NB3FIT on Wednesday, March 4.

From there, conversations with Principal Julianna Trujillo began around logistics and what it would take to bring programming to the school. Since Begay and Gov. Christopher Moquino attended high school together, the connection helped open the door for further conversations, ultimately moving the partnership forward and leading to consistent weekly PE classes for all students. 

“It was decided that their need for physical education once a week would be the best way for us to be in the community,” Begay said. “If NB3FIT was unable to host physical education classes, then I don’t know what the students would do to stay active and healthy. We are happy to have this partnership because we see the benefit it has in the community.” 

NB3FIT coaches now make the weekly drive, bringing equipment and structured programming focused on skill development, teamwork, leadership and healthy habits. For a small school that does not currently offer sports programs, the presence of NB3FIT helps fill an important gap. 

NB3FIT Program Coordinator, Brendon Ansera, plays a volleyball skills game with students. The game encourages students to work together and cheer on their peers to complete the game.

“We go to their wellness center and alternate activities with basketball, volleyball, golf, soccer and leadership programming once a week for their students,” Begay said. “It has been a great place for us to be because there is a need to get the kids active, and when the coaches see them on Wednesdays it is always a great time.”
Teachers at the school have noticed the excitement of their students for the weekly class. 

“Kids don’t miss Wednesdays,” Solomon said. “They don’t want to miss when NB3FIT is here.” 

Solomon also noted that as an educator she enjoys seeing youth have the opportunity to be active, but she also has a deep appreciation for the lessons they learn about leadership and team building. 

The program takes place at the wellness center, about a five-minute walk from the school. Coaches arrive promptly and set up all the activities scheduled for the day. Over the months, the coaches have built meaningful relationships with the staff, students and community. 

NB3FIT Program Coordinator, Mia Freeland, shares a moment with one of the students. Over the months, the students have built trust with the coaches.

“I always enjoy my time there because of the connections I build with the students and the fun, engaging environment we build together. Seeing their excitement when we arrive and hearing them say they can’t wait for next week makes the experience truly meaningful,” NB3FIT Program Coordinator Mia Freeland said.

San Ildefonso Pueblo is one example of NB3FIT’s growth in school partnerships. NB3FIT has also partnered with Bernalillo Elementary School, San Felipe Pueblo Elementary School, supported the Bernalillo High School golf team and provided nutrition education at Santa Fe Indian School. These efforts reflect NB3FIT’s commitment to meeting youth where they are and expanding opportunities beyond traditional program areas. 

Whether traveling more than an hour to a small school or stepping into high school classrooms, NB3FIT coaches continue to show up for Native youth. Through movement, mentorship and leadership development, these partnerships help advance NB3 Foundation’s mission to ensure Native children achieve their full potential. 

Basketball is a favorite amongst the students. Basketball Specialist, Janeé Bates leads youth through dribbling drills.

Looking ahead, NB3 Foundation hopes to explore additional partnerships and utilize the NB3FIT Coaching Academy to help communities build or strengthen their own youth programs. As interest grows, expansion will be considered thoughtfully to ensure quality, consistency and meaningful relationships remain at the center of the work. 

 

 

/by
By NB3 Foundation

Spring season underway across NB3FIT programs

NB3FIT spring programs are off to a fast start with soccer, tennis and golf already underway and track beginning in April. Across programs, youth are building skills, staying active and enjoying opportunities to try new sports.

Golf
The junior golf program has seen record participation this spring with 57 youth enrolled. The program includes 29 youth ages 6 to 9 and 28 youth ages 10 to 18. With this growth comes the need for additional coaching support. Four coaches are assisting lead golf specialist Demitrius Payne this season. Each coach brings playing experience, including one collegiate player and one local high school player.

Youth practice twice a week and also have the opportunity to play holes together on Saturdays at Santa Ana Golf Club. Participants focus on fundamentals, etiquette and terminology to help prepare them for organized play. For many youth, this is their first time playing golf, so learning begins with the basics. Youth practice proper grip, learn which clubs to use and, for younger participants, even learn how to properly carry their own bag. These foundational skills help build confidence and comfort on the course.

Soccer
Soccer season is also underway with more than 70 youth participating in the academy style league. Practices are held at host sites including San Felipe Pueblo, Tamaya Wellness Center, Pueblo of Laguna and Native American Community Academy.

Youth ages 6 to 8 play 3 vs 3 on smaller fields, focusing on fundamentals and maximizing playing time. The 10 and under group has advanced to 7 vs 7 play, where youth are learning positions, responsibilities and game strategy. This division plays on larger fields and includes goalkeepers, creating a more traditional soccer experience while continuing to build skills through play.

Games are held each Saturday at the Tamaya Wellness Center baseball fields, which provide multiple field sizes to accommodate each age group.

Tennis
Tennis is the newest addition to the NB3FIT spring lineup with 14 youth currently participating. For many youth, tennis is a first time sport experience that is both fun and accessible to all skill levels. The program emphasizes coordination, strategy and mental focus while allowing youth to develop skills at their own pace.

NB3FIT Program Coordinator, Mia Freeland and volunteer coach and NB3 Foundation staff member Jared Lesansee are leading instruction and helping youth learn the basics. With smaller group settings and beginner friendly instruction, tennis offers a welcoming environment for youth who are new to sports. By the end of week two, youth began Friday play days where they compete against one another in a match like settings.

Track and Field
Track and field is still open for registration until April 1! With meets slated to begin in May. Youth will have opportunities to build endurance, develop technique and prepare for competition as the season progresses.

/by
By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT Tennis strengthens pathway for Native Youth

NB3 Foundation is continuing to grow its NB3FIT Tennis program following a recent professional development trip to Dallas, Texas. NB3FIT Program Coordinator Mia Freeland participated in the USTA Foundation Impact x Community Tennis Development Workshop (CTDW), bringing back new tools, fresh energy and a clear vision for how tennis can continue to be a fun opportunity for Native youth.

As one of the newer NB3FIT sports, tennis represents an important step in increasing access to sports that have not traditionally been widely available in many of the Native communities we serve. Through grant support, the program is able to provide equipment, curriculum and welcoming environment that helps youth confidently step onto the court for the first time.

The national convening focused on strengthening National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) and Community Tennis Association (CTA) organizations across the country. These community-based nonprofits use tennis to help educate and empower players on and off the court.

NB3 Foundation is proud to be a first-year NJTL chapter member and grant recipient through the network. For Freeland, the experience offered both practical tools and meaningful connection. One of Freeland’s biggest takeaways was the power of red ball tennis to accelerate early player development.

“One of the biggest takeaways from the training was the effectiveness of red ball tennis in accelerating early player development,” Freeland said. “By scaling the court and using slower balls, young players can rally, compete and build proper mechanics much earlier in their tennis journey.”

The approach creates quick wins for beginners, helping build confidence while reinforcing strong fundamentals. It also supports a more inclusive environment where youth of all skill levels can experience success and stay engaged in the sport. Freeland even had the chance to jump into the action herself during an evening red ball session with other chapter leaders, building new friendships and seeing firsthand how fun and accessible the game can be at any stage of life.

Beyond technical skills, the training reinforced a coaching philosophy that closely aligns with NB3FIT’s youth-centered model.

“Coaching tennis has guided me to lean away from performance outcomes and prioritize long-term development and life skills,” Freeland shared. “Tennis is a tool to teach teamwork, discipline, resilience and confidence. I see coaching as mentorship first.”

That mindset continues to shape how NB3FIT Tennis is being built, with intentional focus on meeting youth where they are and creating positive first experiences in the sport.

The conference concluded with an inspiring keynote from Martin Luther King III and Andrea Waters King, who spoke about the importance of service and using sport to create meaningful community impact. Their message echoed the legacy of tennis legend Arthur Ashe, founder of the NJTL network, who launched the initiative to provide free and low-cost tennis and education opportunities to underserved youth while emphasizing leadership and character development.

With spring tennis approaching, NB3FIT is focused on continuing to build momentum and create welcoming entry points for youth and families. Families who join this season can expect a supportive environment that emphasizes fundamentals, confidence and personal growth. The program prioritizes effort and attitude alongside skill development, with the goal that every child leaves the court feeling accomplished and motivated to keep improving.

To register for NB3FIT Tennis visit www.nb3foundation.org/nb3fit

/by
By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT golf specialist returns with new tools to elevate jr golf

NB3 Foundation continues to expand high quality opportunities for Native youth through its growing junior golf program. Recently, NB3FIT Golf Specialist Demitrius Payne traveled to Ridgefield, Conn., for hands-on training in the Player Development Index (PDI) an assessment tool that measures and tracks an athlete’s physical, golf and mental skills. With the certification complete, NB3 Foundation now has one of only two certified PDI coaches in the state of New Mexico, further strengthening support for junior golfers in program.

“Becoming one of only two certified PDI coaches in New Mexico positions us to bring even stronger, data-informed support to the youth we serve,” Payne said. “I believe this will help set our golf program apart. PDI gives us a better way to evaluate not only what youth are learning, but how their overall experience improves over time.”

The PDI can be used with golfers of all levels, making it a strong addition to the NB3FIT junior golf program, which serves local youth ages 6 to 18. The opportunity came through Notah Begay III’s relationship with the Golf Performance Academy, the group that developed PDI. After learning more about the system and its potential impact, Payne was invited to participate in the certification training.

“It was a great experience getting to train with the team that developed PDI and to hear directly why they assess skills the way they do,” Payne said. “One of the key highlights of the trip was being able to share more about the foundation and everything we do, including the Native Youth Golf Championship.”

Since the academy already conducts assessments at the NB3 Junior Golf National Championship, the connection may help further elevate the Native Youth Golf Championship experience for Native youth golfers who travel to New Mexico to compete each summer.

Payne said he is excited to put what he learned to practice this spring as NB3FIT Jr Golf is slated to start practices in early March.

/by
By NB3 Foundation

More than miles: Why we run

Last week, 17 NB3FIT Run Club youth traveled to Shelbyville, Ind., to compete in the 2025 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships on Saturday, Dec. 13. Representing their teammates and communities, the runners took on the national stage in one of the country’s premier youth cross-country events.
Our team mantra says it best:

Run for your people. Run for your team. Run for yourself.

Some might ask why we would take a group of youth halfway across the country to race in the freezing cold. Why invest so much time, energy, and care into youth sports, especially when it means early mornings, long travel days, and stepping outside of our comfort zones?

The answer looks different for everyone. Each runner shows up with their own reason. Some run for fun. Some run for their health. Some run for their families, their communities, or the people who believe in them. Those reasons can be personal, shared, or rooted in something bigger, but every one of them matters.

What becomes clear, every season, is that running gives back in powerful ways. It brings us together as a team and as a community. It teaches commitment and perseverance. It can quiet a busy mind or build confidence where it didn’t exist before. Through running, our youth learn that they are capable, supported, and never alone.

The NB3FIT Running Club has officially finished another cross-country season, and our youth didn’t chase their reasons on their own, they chased them together. That is why we show up, travel far, and keep investing in youth sports. Because when native youth run, they carry their people, their team, and themselves with them every step of the way.
/by