By NB3 Foundation

Meet the coaches helping lead the NB3FIT Cross Country program!

Our Meet the Coaches series highlights the dedicated community members helping NB3FIT runners build confidence, strengthen their skills and enjoy the sport in a way that keeps them excited to return each season. This season there are practice sites based in seven different communities. Learn more about the coaches who are preparing our youth for the season!


Jennie Holmes | Pueblos of Sandia and Isleta
For the past five years, Jennie has overseen the NB3FIT Running Club, supporting coaches and families by providing curriculum and practice plans while managing the logistical and administrative side of the program. Her work helps ensure coaches can focus on running and positive youth development. While educational commitments required her to step back from coaching over the past couple of years, she is excited to return in full action this season. She looks forward to reconnecting with athletes and families, strengthening relationships and continuing to grow the NB3FIT running community.


Carley Tafoya  | Jicarilla Apache Nation, Dulce, NM
Coach Tafoya, or Coach T, is from a small community in northern New Mexico near the southern Colorado border. This is her second year coaching cross country with NB3FIT. Coach T began running as a young child and continues to run recreationally. She got back into running when her daughter, Rhylee, wanted to join both cross country and track and field with the NB3FIT team. Coach Tafoya looks forward to continuing to build positive connections between running and culture, which she sees as one of the greatest strengths of the NB3FIT program. She invites youth from Dulce to join the NB3FIT team, make new friends, gain experience and, most importantly, have fun while building their running skills. Coach T can’t wait to see you out there!

Kelly Raton | Pueblo of Santa Ana
Kelly has been coaching cross country and track and field with NB3FIT for the past couple of years. She joined the coaching team through a collaboration between the Tamaya Wellness Center to help support youth and build strong relationships within the Pueblo. Although Kelly had no prior running experience before becoming a coach, she has enjoyed learning alongside other NB3FIT coaches and growing her knowledge of the sport. Coaching has given her another opportunity to create a safe and supportive space where youth can build trust, whether they are experienced runners or trying the sport for the first time. One of Kelly’s favorite parts of coaching is watching athletes grow in confidence from their first race to their last and seeing the encouragement and support they give one another throughout the season.

Michael Gutierrez | Pueblo of Sandia
Michael is entering his first season coaching cross country with NB3FIT. What started as a fitness journey three years ago has now become an outlet to community, friendship and mental health. He has raced multiple half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks, developing a strong passion for endurance running and training. This fall, he will take on his first marathon and a 50K. Running has had a tremendous impact on Michael’s physical and mental well-being, and he is excited to share his passion and knowledge of the sport with the youth in his community. In his first season of coaching, he looks forward to helping young runners build confidence, challenge themselves, and discover what they are capable of both on and off the course.

Natalie Arellanez | Pueblo of Acoma

Natalie was a high school athlete in both cross country and track and field. As an adult, she continued her love of running, training on her own and completing marathons (26.2 miles!). She plans to complete three marathons to match her baba, a Marine who completed three marathons himself. “Coach Nat” has coached with NB3FIT Cross Country and Track & Field for the past four years. She looks forward to seeing returning runners each season and watching them grow in confidence, ambition and social skills. She’s also excited to welcome new runners and families to the program.

For Natalie, NB3FIT is more than sports. It’s an amazing community-based program rooted in culture, with coaches who bring that commitment into the way they support and encourage each athlete.


Jamell Sanchez | Pueblo of San Felipe

Jamell joined the NB3 Foundation coaching team in 2024. A recent graduate of Southwestern College, he earned All-KCAC Academic and All-NAIA Academic honors and was named a KCAC Champion of Character three times. He has been running for 16 years, with one of his favorite highlights being a win in the Open B race at the Metro Championships. He also brings three years of coaching experience to the team.

This season, he’s looking forward to coaching cross country and reconnecting with the athletes as they continue to grow, improve and gain confidence in the sport.


 Shane Benally | Navajo Nation

Coach Shane was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and currently lives in Santa Fe. His family is from Klagetoh, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. He works as an optometrist at Santo Domingo Health Center and will be coaching at the Kewa site this season.

He has been running recreationally since 2020, with highlights including the St. Jude Half Marathon in Memphis, Tennessee, and completing the Duke City Marathon in 2025. Coach Shane is looking forward to his second season coaching with NB3FIT Cross Country and helping young runners build confidence, enjoy the sport and realize they’re capable of more than they might think.


Jared Lesansee | Pueblos of Jemez and Zuni

Coach Jared has been running for more than 20 years, starting in middle school and continuing through all four years of high school cross country, college club competition and five marathons. Now in his seventh year of coaching runners, they also bring experience as a former high school head cross country coach. This will be Jared’s fourth season coaching NB3FIT Cross Country.

This season, he is looking forward to creating more opportunities for connection and strengthening relationships between coaches and runners, as well as among teammates.

/by
By NB3 Foundation

Beyond the finish line: Eli’s big catch

At 10 years old, Eli Light-Chee is always up for an adventure, whether he’s running a race, throwing a javelin or reeling in a big catch.

Eli has been part of NB3FIT Running Club since 2022, competing in cross country and track and field. He runs the 800 and 1,500 meters, throws the javelin and is already a three-time national Junior Olympic cross country competitor.

However,  running is only one of the ways Eli stays active. He also plays baseball and basketball and enjoys trips to the skate park. Eli’s love for the outdoors extends beyond running. An avid fisherman, he enjoys spending time on the water and connecting with the outdoors in another way.  This summer, Eli’s time on the water paid off

A massive catch at Cochiti Lake earned him a spot on the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Weekly Wall of Fame. He was also featured in the department’s Aug. 6 fishing and stocking report.

Beyond everything he accomplishes, Eli is simply a great kid to have in our programs. He is kind, hardworking and brings a big heart to everything he does. He is always ready with a smile and has a way of making the people around him smile, too.

We’re proud to watch Eli continue to grow, try new things and have fun along the way. Keep it up, Eli!

/by
By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT track and field team sends record number of athletes to regionals

The NB3FIT Track and Field team closed one of its strongest seasons to date with standout performances at the state championships, where athletes qualified for regionals and earned personal bests across multiple events.

This season, 120 athletes representing 26 tribal communities participated in the program, making it the largest team in NB3FIT history. At the state meet, the team entered 15 relay teams and more than 220 individual events. Athletes recorded more than 100 personal records, and 51 athletes qualified for the USATF Region 10 Championships by finishing in the top four of their events.

The team continued its success in distance races, breaking season and all-time NB3FIT records in the 800-, 1,500- and 3,000-meter runs. Strong performances also came in sprints, relays, jumps and throws, reflecting the growth of the program across every event group.

Among the top finishers were Brayden Fragua (Pueblo of Jemez), who placed second in the 1,500-meter run and third in the 800-meter run; LauRen Correa (Pueblo of Acoma and Pueblo of Isleta), who finished second in the 800-meter run; Akira Toya (Navajo Nation and Pueblo of Jemez), who earned second in the 800-meter run and fourth in the long jump; and Christopher Nastacio (Pueblo of San Felipe), who placed second in the javelin and third in the discus.

NB3FIT relay teams also had a strong showing. The 11-12 boys 4×100-meter relay team and the 11-12 girls 4×400-meter relay team each captured state titles. Several other relay teams earned top-four finishes, contributing to the team’s overall success.

The program also saw continued growth in its older age divisions, creating more opportunities for leadership and mentorship among athletes while strengthening the team’s culture and sense of community.

The season continues July 9-11 at the USATF Region 10 Championships in El Paso, Texas. NB3FIT will send its largest group of regional qualifiers to date as athletes compete for the opportunity to advance to the national championships.

Hasbah SilentWalker (Pueblo of San Felipe, Navajo Nation), 9-10 girls, 6th javelin
Sekwoya Bradford (Navajo Nation) 8and Under girls, 5th- long jump
Akira Toya (Navajo Nation, Pueblo of Jemez), 9-10 girls, 4th- long jump

Relay Teams  
8 and under Boys -3rd- 4×100
Myles Lujan, Gary Gonzales, Skylar Vallo, Eli Gonzales
8 and Under boys- 4th- 4×100
Michael Lovato, Lehi Silentwalker, Augustine Elias-Bonilla, Marlin Coriz
9-10 boys 4th- 4×100
Levi Toya, Davin Toledo, Theo Jones, Manto Silva
11-12 boys 1st-4×100
Jaxon Roach, Jacoby Reano, Caleb Gonzales, Ozias Werito
13-14 boys 3rd- 4×400
Aiden Nguyen, Jayden Toledo, Detric Levato, Brayden Fragua
8 and under girls 4×100
Sekwoya Bradford, Leia Roach, Marley Tenequer, Daisy Sanchez
9-10 girls 3rd 4×100
Torianna Pena, Mia Tenorio, Riley Campbell, Akira Toya
11-12 girls 2nd 4×100
Camila Smith, McKenna Saiz, Lileia Shendo, Addison Tosa
11-12 girls 3rd 4×100
Paisley DeRoin Silva, Emmarina Wright, Mia Sims, Nellie Silentwalker
11-12 girls 1st 4×400
Rozalyn Jojola, Jasilyn Reano, Emma Sanchez, NicoleRey Arellanez
/by
By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT summer trainings strengthen support for Native youth

To kick off the summer, the NB3 Foundation hosted two NB3FIT Summer Training sessions, bringing together more than 50 coaches, youth workers, volunteers and summer interns from Native communities across New Mexico. Participants represented organizations and programs from the Pueblo of Jemez, Pueblo of San Ildefonso, Pueblo of San Felipe, Santa Fe Indian School, Pueblo of Santa Ana, Project Venture, UNM and, of course, NB3FIT programs, including golf, tennis, volleyball and summer recreation initiatives.

The trainings were rooted in Native Joy and focused on preparing participants to create safe, positive and culturally relevant environments for youth. Through hands-on activities and practical skill-building, coaches strengthened their ability to build trust and healthy relationships, navigate behavior challenges, set appropriate boundaries, lead engaging activities and communicate effectively with parents and caregivers. Participants also explored personal and professional development goals while strengthening their understanding of Native-centered youth programming.

One highlight of the trainings was watching coaches and summer workers step into leadership roles by facilitating games, icebreakers and youth activities for their peers. The energy, enthusiasm and commitment shown by both first-time youth workers and experienced professionals demonstrated the strength of our Native communities and the dedication they bring to serving the next generation.

These trainings directly support NB3 Foundation’s mission by equipping those who work with Native youth with evidence-informed tools and culturally grounded approaches that foster health, belonging, positive relationships and safe experiences. Every trained coach, mentor and youth worker expands our collective ability to create environments where Native youth can thrive.

A special thank you to Positive Coaching Alliance for partnering with us to strengthen coaching culture and help ensure a safe, fun and impactful summer for Native youth.

To learn more about NB3FIT trainings, reach out to Clint Begay, director of NB3FIT at Clint@nb3f.org

/by
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