For Evan Lesarlley, coaching basketball is about more than the game. It’s about connecting with kids, gathering with community, and finding his own way to give back to his community.
Evan was born and raised in the Pueblo of Zuni. After attending St. Anthony’s Indian School in Zuni through eighth grade, he went on to Santa Fe Indian School for his high school years, graduating in 2006.
The move marked his first time leaving home, and he says was excited to seize the opportunity.
“I was ready to get out and try something new,” Evan explains. “My older sister was there, and other family members went there, so I was looking forward to it.”
While some Zuni students struggled with homesickness in New Mexico’s capital city, Evan thrived. He stayed active in basketball and track and field, and he also discovered an interest in environmental science.
“I enjoyed meeting other students from the surrounding 19 pueblos, and visiting different pueblos to learn about their agriculture, economics and government,” he remembers. “It was pretty neat. I loved it out there.”
Today, Evan is a facility maintenance worker for the Pueblo of Zuni, a position he has held since 2022. His path to becoming a coach with the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project began through a coworker and friend named Marlin.
“He was coaching soccer at the time, and he said ZYEP needed coaches for basketball,” Evan remembers. “He asked me if I was interested, and I thought I’d give it a shot.”
By then, Evan already knew ZYEP well. His son Darren, now 14, joined ZYEP’s youth sports leagues in 2018 and continues to participate in the annual Delapna:we Project; and his sister Rani Yamutewa works for the nonprofit as a youth development leader.
“It’s a really good program,” Evan says with a smile. “Coaching is my way of thanking ZYEP for everything they’ve done for my son, and for all the other kids.”
This season marks Evan’s third year as a ZYEP Basketball League coach. What keeps him coming back, he says, is watching young people grow as athletes, teammates and individuals.
“I remember myself at that age, when I was being coached,” he reflects. “I love coaching all the different kids. It’s so nice to see them breaking out of their shells and building their confidence. Some are quick learners, while others take a little time. We welcome everyone and teach them out to support each other, how to be a team.”
Basketball is especially important in Zuni, Evan says. He notes that game days bring the whole community together.
“It’s great to see the community come out on Fridays and watch the games,” he says. “It gets pretty crowded, and it’s fun to see so many people cheering for the kids.”
Some of Evan’s favorite moments, however, take place after the season ends.
“I hear the kids at the store, around the community, calling out, ‘Hey, Coach Evan!’” he says. “That’s always really cool.”
He makes a point of reminding his players that the bonds they form don’t end with the final game. Even after the season is over, they are still a team.
“I tell them your teammates are your friends from now on,” he says. “You’re part of something.”
Outside of work and coaching, Evan enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He hunts deer and turkey with his son, and he stays active by playing basketball with Marlin and other adults through the Zuni Healthy Lifestyles Program.
As ZYEP prepares for the upcoming basketball season, Evan says he hopes more adults will participate as coaches.
“I encourage the adults to give it a try,” he says. “As a coach, I got out of my own comfort zone. We all can do more to get out of our own shells. It’s good to be part of something, and for the kids to see all of us getting involved.”
ZYEP’s annual coach retreat, complete with icebreakers and team-building activities, helps strengthen connections. Evan says he’s looking forward to that.
“We build bonds just like the kids do,” he shares.
Looking ahead, Evan says he hopes to continue growing as a coach, and maybe even try something new.
“I want to try coaching flag football later this year,” he says. “I’m looking forward to that.”
Coach registration for the ZYEP Basketball League takes place Feb. 9-25. Youth registration will follow on Feb. 17-March 4, and the 2026 season officially kicks off March 23.