Youth Stories – NB3 Foundation

Youth Spotlight: WynterRose Sheka & Marcus Tenorio

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)

April 17, 2025/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

2023 NB3FIT Golf Team announced

The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation is excited to introduce the 2023 NB3FIT Youth Golf Team, which includes 11 golfers ages 13 to 17 from across the state of New Mexico. The NB3FIT Golf Team was established in 2021 to provide skills training, tournament opportunities, and mentorship to aspiring Native youth golfers.

Youth are selected based on skill, commitment to the game, involvement in their community and their willingness to learn. Being selected to the team comes with a variety of learning opportunities and skills training meant to enhance their game. However, the focus is not only on golf. Youth are also challenged to think strategically about how they will give back to their community through volunteering and other community service efforts.

“I wanted to be on the NB3FIT Golf Team because I love the game and this team provides many opportunities to grow and get better,” Maddison Long,16, said. “It also teaches important lessons like time management, giving back to the community, and places other responsibilities on us that can help us prepare for later in life.”

Long has been part of the NB3FIT junior golf family since she was a child and has been selected to the team for the past three years. You will often find Long on the course or at NB3 Foundation events volunteering and mentoring young golfers.

Long, her little sister Olivia,13, and Alyssandra Rodriquez,15, make up the girls team this year. Rodriquez returns from last year’s team, and Olivia joins for the first time. For the boys, the team welcomes newcomers: Deviond Gachupin, 13, JJ Botello, 14, and Jacob Francisco, 17. Francisco plays high school golf for Miyamura High School in Gallup, N.M. and Gachupin and Botello are both active in the golf scene as middle school students.

The team returns a strong boy’s roster including Skyler Woods ,17, Zachary BlueEyes ,16, Noah Pozernick ,17, Luke James ,17, and Ardell John ,17. Woods and BlueEyes both placed first in their age divisions at last year’s NB3 Foundation Native Youth Golf Championship. Woods, BlueEyes and John also helped Kirtland Central High School finish second in the 2022 high school state championship.

Pozernick, James and Francisco all play for Miyamura High School and are looking to get the Patriots a podium finish at the 2023 NM Golf State Championship, May 8-9 at Santa Ana Golf Club.

Following the state championship, a busy summer season will begin. Each NB3FIT golfer will play at least 10 more tournaments, a combination of NB3 Junior Golf Tour and Sun Country Jr. Golf tournaments. Golfers will also go head-to-head against Native youth from across the country in the 2023 Native Youth Golf Championship in late July.

“It’s only been three years and we have already seen incredible stories come from this team. Two past team members are playing collegiate golf, and another is attending The Golf Performance Academy in Connecticut,” Clint Begay, director of NB3FIT said. “I’m excited for this year’s team and look forward to seeing them accomplish new goals on and off the course.”

The team will continue to meet up twice a month to practice, work on youth development skills and check in on community service projects.

2023 NB3FIT Youth Golf Team

Zachary BlueEyes, 16, Kirtland, NM, Diné, Kirtland Central High School

Ardell John, 17, Kirtland, NM, Diné, Kirtland Central High School

Skyler Woods, 17, Kirtland, NM, Diné, Kirtland Central High School

Jacob Francisco, 17, Gallup, N.M., Diné, Miyamura High School

Luke James, 17, Gallup, NM, Diné, Miyamura High School

Noah Pozernick, 17, Gallup, NM, Diné, Miyamura High School

JJ Botello, 14, Albuquerque, N.M., Hispanic

Deviond Gachupin, 13, Albuquerque, N.M, Pueblo of Jemez

Alyssa Rodriguez, 15, Albuquerque, NM, Hispanic, West Mesa High School

Maddison Long, 15, Albuquerque, NM, Coeur d’Alene/Diné, Volcano Vista High School

Olivia Long, 13, Albuquerque, NM, Coeur d’Alene/Diné

April 25, 2023/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT Fall Jr. Golf program off to a great start!

The season started September 14 and will run through November 3! We are happy to be at full capacity this fall with the program being made up of a mix of youth from our summer golf program, past participants of NB3FIT and youth who are completely new to NB3FIT.

We are thankful for the partnership with the Sandia Golf Club where we are hosting programming on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The main focus of the program is to provide youth participants the opportunity to learn and practice the fundamentals of golf. An added feature this fall, is the incorporating of practice on Saturdays. Each week we schedule tee times for the youth to play at golf courses in the greater Albuquerque area. A great opportunity for them to put the skills they learn to use on the course.

September 30, 2021/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT Cross Country hits the trails

NB3FIT Cross Country program is back!

Led by NB3FIT coaches, the team began practicing earlier this month at North Domingo Baca Park in Albuquerque, NM. Due to the pandemic the program will look a little different than previous years, but everyone is just excited for the opportunity to welcome youth back to in-person programming. During 2020, NB3FIT hosted virtual cross-country programming for local Native youth. Though they never got to compete, they were still provided instruction and workouts through virtual check-ins and pre-recorded videos filmed by the NB3FIT coaches.

With many surrounding pueblo communities still limiting the access of visitors due to the pandemic, NB3FIT is hosting practices in Albuquerque, a more central location that is open to the public. In the future, when it is safe to do so, NB3FIT plans to returning to tribal communities to host cross-country programming.

To date, the team has 21 runners and is looking forward to competing for the first time next month at the Albuquerque Athletic Track Cross Country Meet on Saturday, September 18.

August 31, 2021/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

NB3 Foundation Native Youth Golf Championship sends four youth to national tournament

: NB3 Foundation hosts second annual Native Youth Golf Championship at Santa Ana Golf Club.

Nearly 50 Native youth golfers ages 8-18 competed in the NB3 Foundation 2nd annual Native Youth Golf Championship on August 8-10 at the Santa Ana Golf Club, Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M. Four from the group qualified to play in the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship at Kosati Pines at Coushatta in Kinder, La. in November.

“The tournament was exciting from beginning to end,” Clint Begay, director of NB3FIT said. It was great to meet all the youth and families and we are excited to send four Native youth to the national championship.”

Laylee Wishark ,13, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Kanyon DeRyke,13, Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, Shandiin Harper ,18, Diné and Adiance Cheromiah ,17, Pueblo of Laguna, won their respective age divisions and securing themselves a spot in the national event that will air on Golf Channel.

Wishark, shot 83 and 85 earning her spot to play in the national tournament. Wishark said she was most proud and thankful for her family and community who supported her journey to compete in the tournament. She and her family drove over 1,000-miles from Carthage, Miss. to compete in the tournament.

DeRyke, they boys 13 & under division winner, shot his best score ever 2-under on the final day of the championship. DeRyke, Bringham, Utah, said he was excited about the opportunity to compete in Coushatta.

Last year’s 14-18 girl’s division champ returned this year looking to defend her title. After one round of play Harper found herself four strokes back from day one leader Emma Worgum, Mount Vernon, Wash. On day two, Harper staged a comeback shooting a division best, 71 to reclaim her title as the girl’s division Native Youth Golf Champion.

“I came in today four back, and I ended up winning by three today so that’s pretty cool,” she said. “I’m excited to go back [to Coushatta] and play better than I did last year. I think last year I wasn’t really ready.”

Taking home top honors in the boys 14-18 division was Adiance Cheromiah, Pueblo of Laguna. They boy’s division was a close finish, Cheromiah taking home first place by one stroke and leaving a three-way tie for second and third. After a two-hole playoff, Skyler Woods, Diné, claimed outright second and Tristen Toledo, Pubelo of Jemez, secured third.

Looking ahead to the Notah Begay III Junior National Championship in November, Cheromiah said he’s wants to focus on keeping a positive outlook.

“My mentality, not letting my emotions get to me, and working on my iron approach shots,” he said.
Begay was pleased with the diverse turnout this year and said he looks forward to welcoming more Native youth golfers next year.

“It was a great event and we were excited to see so many new faces out on the course this year,” Begay said. “We had an exciting finish in the boys 14-18 division and it was just a great atmosphere watching these dedicated junior golfers in their element… the future is bright for Native youth golfers.”

Girls 13 & Under:
Laylee Wishark +24

Hayden Dan + 38

Dallas Dan +46

Girls 14-18:
Shandiin Harper +4

Emma Worgum +7

Beans Factor + 15

Boys 13 & Under:
Kanyon DeRyke +5

Deviond Shendo +32

Kenneth Tafoya + 46

Boys 14-18:

Adiance Cheromiah +11

Skyler Woods +17

Tristen Thompson +17

August 30, 2021/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

NB3FIT Golf Team busy on the greens this summer

Three NB3FIT Golf Team members recently qualified and played int he the Notah Begay III Junior Golf Regional Tournament at Stanford University Golf Course on June 16-17. Zachary BlueEyes, Tristen Toledo and Skyler Woods all traveled and competed at Stanford, and all though they did not place it was a great opportunity and learning experience for the young golfers, Director of NB3FIT Clint Begay said.

Since the season began, the 14-member team has gone on to compete in seven tournaments this summer. Due to the pandemic, the high school season here in New Mexico was extended into the summer leading to many members on the NB3FIT Golf Team playing in high school tournaments as well. Recently, eight members of the youth golf team played in the New Mexico High School State Golf Tournament. Top finishers from the team were Shandiin Harper finishing tied for second place in girls 5-A and Skyler Woods, Kirtland Central, finishing tied for sixth in boys 4-A.

Girls

Shandiin Harper, Piedra Vista, tied for 2nd
Melody Sandoval, Volcano Vista, tied for 14th
Maddison Long, Volcano Vista, tied for 22nd
Emily Kitseallyboy, Farmington, tied for 36th

Boys

Skyler Woods, Kirtland Central, tied for 6th
Zachary Blueeyes , Kirtland Central, tied for 22nd
Ardell John, Kirtland Central, tied for 26th
Noah Pozernick, Miyamura, 48th

“I’m extremely proud of this group. They have all been super busy and are continuing become better golfers and role models to their communities,” Begay said.

There are five events left on the schedule, and their season will end with our NB3 Foundation Native Youth Championship, August 8, 9 & 10. Skyler, Zachary and Shandiin look to defend their titles from last year’s Native Youth Golf Championship. Winners from each age group will qualify for the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship in November in Coushatta, La.

June 28, 2021/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

Summertime fun with NB3FIT

: NB3FIT hosts first in-person program for youth since before the pandemic.

NB3FIT Junior Golf

NB3FIT Junior Golf is in week four of programming. The group meets three days a week and focuses on being active while learning the fundamentals of golf. A majority of the 18 youth attendees are first time golfers, and while being introduced to the game is important, the youth are also learning about how overall health contributes to being a successful golfer. Currently the youth are taking part of the Zero to 60 Challenge, focusing on drinking more water and eliminating sugary beverages. The challenge is especially important for youth attending summer programs with temps climbing to the mid-nineties by early afternoon here in the Albuquerque area.
“The youth are being really honest and taking responsibility for their water consumption and that makes me very proud ,” NB3FIT Program coordinator, Demitrius Payne said.
Summer programs will be taking a week off returning after the Fourth of July.

NB3FIT Summer Camp

The NB3FIT Summer Camp has 12 registered participants and is in week three of camp. Slowly emerging from the pandemic, the summer camp is mainly focused on getting youth outdoors and moving with one another. Youth registered in the program received fitness watches to monitor their activity throughout camp. A step count is recorded when they check in and again when they leave camp for the day.
“A lot of the kids show up in the morning and have a few hundred steps, and by the time they leave they have anywhere between 6,000-8,000 steps,” Autumn Quiver, NB3FIT Program Coordinator said.
In addition to physical activity, NB3FIT is has also been incorporating journaling and meditation sessions with the youth.

June 22, 2021/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

Together, Native youth explore health and wellness

In late March, “Get Active” campaign participants came together for one last gathering. The 6-week virtual campaign was aimed at reaching more Native youth across the state to promote living healthy lifestyles. Some of the youth participating in the campaign live out of the reach of our in-person direct programs, so this virtual campaign provided an opportunity for them to participate in a NB3 Foundation campaign from afar.

Over the course of four weeks the youth explored and completed different tasks related to our four core areas: physical activity, healthy nutrition, youth development and cultural connections.

For the final gathering, the focus was on youth development providing youth the place to tell their own stories. They were asked to interview an elder in their family/community about health, or to design a collage showcasing their goals and interests. This was a way to promote youth to explored and learn about what shapes their identity. Many collages focused on their families, culture and how they view the importance of health. Participants also shared their aspirations for the future, many focusing on attending college and starting a meaningful career reflecting what they’re passionate about.
Though the campaign was only six weeks long; it was not any less meaningful. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside this group of Native youth and look forward to seeing the impact they have on their communities.

April 28, 2021/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

Keeping youth active through virtual programming

NB3FIT Virtual programming is flying by!
It has been an eventful six weeks of exercising and learning. Our NB3FIT crew and youth participants have completed a wide variety of activities and workouts. Youth have learned to make straw rockets, popsicle stick frames, stress balls and balloon towers. They have also learned a number of core, lower body and upper body workouts that they continue at home with their families.
Each youth participant was provided a Garmin watch to help track their steps throughout the day. So far, the group has completed 1,968,401 steps in just six weeks!

“It is so great to see the youth challenge themselves to reach their 10,000 step goal daily and to commit to drinking only water every day,” NB3FIT Program Coordinator, Autumn Quiver said. “We’re looking forward to the youth finishing off this session with lots of new tips and resources so they can continue their healthy habits long after programming ends.”

April 28, 2021/by NB3 Foundation

By NB3 Foundation

Native youth share their healthy recipes

We are excited to share recipes from Native youth themselves.
Gunner and Malia are participants in our NB3FIT virtual programming and took up the challenge to create their own healthy recipe! At the NB3 Foundation, we believe it is important to introduce healthy eating and drinking to our children starting at birth. It is so encouraging to see Native youth exploring and making healthy food choices.

Thank you to Gunner and Malia for sharing your recipes with us!

Enjoy!

Gunners CrazyBerry Smoothie
Ingredients: