News – NB3 Foundation

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

March 30, 2026/by NB3 Foundation

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.

March 26, 2026/by NB3 Foundation

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

February 25, 2026/by NB3 Foundation

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.

February 24, 2026/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

Learning, leading and connecting: Youth council at Unity Midyear Conference

We’re excited to share the NB3 Foundation Youth Council attended the 2026 UNITY Midyear Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Over 700 Indigenous youth focused on community organizing and went through a 10-step action plan that addressed a community issue.

NB3 Foundation youth council attended the Mental Health & Wellness Track, facilitated by Tommy GhostDog with WeRNative. The focus was to equip Native Youth will tools to create an action plan that helps them create change within their communities.

“What I took away from the sessions was really a new perspective. With it being my first time at UNITY Midyear, I was mind blown with how interactive it was with other youth councils. I really enjoyed my sessions in which we settled on a community issue and created a way to attack this issue. I would highly recommend UNITY Midyear to any youth council wanting new ideas or perspectives,” Corey Bird, co-president of NB3 Foundation Youth Council

In addition, our co-presidents, Corey Bird and Abby Mariano, attended the National UNITY Council Business Meeting, where they provided reports as one of the council affiliates in the Southwest Region. It is truly an honor to see our young leaders step up in their officer role and confidently speak in front of a large audience.

Throughout the weekend, the youth council took part in a wide range of activities, including a campus tour at Arizona State University in downtown Phoenix, keynote addresses by Billy Mills and Judith LeBlanc, and speed workshops. Ashima Burns also placed in the top three during a mock pageant. Council members stepped outside their comfort zones by participating in round dances and networking with the Puyallup Youth Council and the Cherokee Youth Council of North Carolina, where they introduced themselves and built meaningful connections..

We are incredibly proud of our Youth Council for representing their communities and NB3 Foundation. We look forward to seeing how they apply what they learned in the months ahead.

January 30, 2026/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

Evaluation and Research welcomes UNM graduate student

The Evaluation and Research Department is pleased to welcome a student through the University of New Mexico Student Employment Office. We extend our sincere thanks to Jeanette Quintanar, Job Development Officer at UNM, for assisting us in finding a wonderful candidate.

As part of our commitment to strengthening Native students’ academic experiences through hands-on learning, we are excited to welcome a graduate work-study student for the position of Health Champion. This role is part of a broader movement to support Native American children’s health, with a focus on cultural connections, nutrition, physical activity, and youth development.

Jessica Sanchez is from Santo Domingo Pueblo and is a citizen of the Navajo Nation. She is a graduate student studying Public Health at the University of New Mexico. Jessica is interested in health promotion and integrating Indigenous methodologies into community-based programming. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, trail running, and spending time with her dog, Luna.

January 29, 2026/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

NB3 Foundation presents proceeds to Lightning Boy Foundation

On Friday, Dec. 12, the Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation presented a $5,000 check to the Lightning Boy Foundation as part of the proceeds from the 2025 NB3 New Mexico Grande Slam. Lightning Boy Foundation served as the event’s nonprofit partner, supporting its work serving Native youth and families.

NB3 Foundation staff Cyanne Lujan and Jon Driskell met with Felicia Rosacker-Rivera, co-founder of the Lightning Boy Foundation, and her husband George Rivera, to recognize the organization’s impact and partnership. The organization was established in honor of their son, Valentino “Tzigiwhaeno” Rivera, whose love for dance and resilience following a traumatic injury inspired a mission rooted in healing, culture and movement. Named after the Tewa word for “lightning,” the foundation continues Valentino’s legacy by uplifting Native youth through dance, wellness and cultural expression.

Each year, NB3 Foundation partners with a different nonprofit through the New Mexico Grande Slam to help extend the reach and impact of the event. NB3 Foundation thanks its New Mexico Grande Slam sponsors and partners for their shared commitment to ensuring all children in New Mexico have the opportunity to live healthy and happy lives.

To learn more about the Lightning Boy Foundation, visit lightningboyfoundation.com/about.

December 17, 2025/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

Giving back this holiday season

NB3 Foundation staff joined First Nations Community HealthSource and Americans for Indian Opportunity to help distribute holiday food bags to families in need at the Traditional Wellness Program location. In addition to food support, families had access to resources for housing, health insurance, medical and dental care, and other essential services across the Albuquerque metro area.

December 17, 2025/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT Day brings families together through movement and play

NB3FIT Day brought families and community members together for a fun, active day focused on movement, health and connection. Held in celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the event highlighted the importance of creating safe, healthy spaces where Native youth and families can thrive.

The event featured seven activity stations designed to encourage physical activity and participation for all ages. More than 70 community members attended throughout the day, enjoying opportunities to move together, learn about healthy living and connect with local organizations that share a commitment to youth and family well-being.

NB3 Foundation extends sincere thanks to the community partners who helped make NB3FIT Day a success by sharing their time, expertise and energy:

Tamaya Wellness Center
Tamaya Recreation Program, including Tanya Chino, Kelly Raton, Kevin Montoya, Demetria Madalena and Cameron Garcia-Sandoval
Santa Fe Indian School, Bill Coriz
San Felipe Pueblo Project Venture, Adelbert Quiver and Joe Ansera
Powwow Wellness, Niko DeRoin-Silva
NHI/Running Medicine, Jessica Begay

The event was also supported by 16 youth volunteers from the NB3 Foundation Youth Council, Albuquerque Academy DECA and the NB3 Foundation golf team. Youth volunteers assisted with activities, participant engagement and event flow, helping create a welcoming and positive experience for all attendees. Their involvement reflects the NB3 Foundation’s continued investment in youth leadership.

December 17, 2025/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

Show your support for Native youth on GivingTuesday!

This GivingTuesday, we’re inviting our community to help uplift Native youth across the country. The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation provides accessible sports, health and cultural wellness programs rooted in Native values. With your support, we can continue creating spaces where youth grow strong in mind, body and spirit.

How you can support: