ZUNI, N.M. (Jan. 20, 2026) — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is preparing to recruit community coaches for its 2026 Basketball League, a cornerstone spring program that historically has served more than 200 Zuni youth ages 7-12 each year. Coach registration takes place Feb. 9-25.
Youth registration will follow on Feb. 17-March 4. The 2026 season officially kicks off March 23 with support from Nike, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and New Mexico Department of Health’s Healthy Kids Healthy Communities program.
According to Tyler Sice, physical activity coordinator, ZYEP is leveling up the Basketball League experience for coaches and players alike.
“We’ll be providing updated coach training that emphasizes facilitation and effective practice plans,” Sice explained. “We want our coaches to feel even better prepared to engage with our youth participants.”
Other changes include expanding the age range from 7-12 to 6-12, and introducing new rules within each age division to accommodate differences in skill levels. The youth project also is adding an end-of-season tournament on May 11-15 to promote healthy competition.
“We feel these changes will improve our participants’ experiences and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment,” Sice said.
Youth ages 6-7 will be divided into six teams in the 7U “Rain” division, with practices at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School. The 10U “Lightning” division comprises youth ages 8-10, who will practice at both Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary and Zuni Middle School.
Older children ages 11-12 will be divided into four teams in the 12U “Thunder” division. They will practice at Zuni Middle School.
“We’re looking for 36 to 40 coaches, ages 16 and up, to work with our players,” Sice said. “They don’t need to have any prior experience. We’ll provide training. They just need to pass a background check and bring great communication skills, a positive attitude, and a willingness to work with youth of all skill levels as a mentor and role model.”
In a typical season, 60 percent of coaches are returning to the program, while 40 percent are new arrivals. Sice said he believes the coaches come back for the kids.
“It’s the impact of the youth,” he reflected. “Each coach I’ve spoken to says that the kids are the reason they coach and continue to come back.”
Tamika Neha is one of those coaches. She has been part of ZYEP’s sports leagues as a coach for more than seven years, and she said it’s had a huge impact.
“I loved the engagement and connection I was able to build with the youth,” she said. “Some of my favorite moments involved the growth I saw in the youth as they realized how capable they are and how much they improved.”
Evan Lesarlley agreed that connecting with the kids is a major highlight. Now in his third year of coaching, he also is the father of Darren Lesarlley, 14, a longtime participant in the youth project’s sports leagues and the Delapna:we Project.
“I loved coaching all the different kids,” Lesarlley said. “And after the season was over, I’d hear them all around the community, calling out, ‘Hey, Coach Evan!’ That was really cool.”
“When a player approaches you and says, ‘Hi Coach,’ you know you did something great for them, knowing they still see you as their coach,” Neha agreed.
This year also marks a new chapter for the ZYEP physical activity department as Zachary James steps into the role of physical activity leader. A member of the food sovereignty team from 2020 to 2025, he started his new position on Jan. 2.
As physical activity leader, James will be responsible for assisting with all physical activities, preseason organization, reporting, and developing administrative infrastructure for programming. He said he’s excited to get started.
“Over the years, I always found a way to get involved with the physical activities, whether it was being a referee or an announcer during games, or just visiting the p
For more than 15 years, the youth project has offered youth sports with the belief that athletics can transform lives and strengthen community bonds in Zuni. Each league provides a supportive environment where young athletes can grow in skill and confidence while learning teamwork, perseverance, and mutual respect.
More than 500 youth participate in soccer, flag football, basketball, mini-basketball, and T-ball through ZYEP each year. Surveys consistently show that players feel more confident, more connected to their community, and more supported through their relationships with coaches and teammates, while parents report that the leagues help their children become more active, improve their health, and gain positive role models.
Neha and Lesarlley observed that the sports leagues are valuable for the community coaches, as well.
“Coaching has saved me from the things that could have taken my life,” Neha shared. “It’s not just about teaching the sport. It’s about trust, hopes, goals, support, and knowing that you’re helping a child through the obstacles of life as well as the skills of the game.”
“We all can do more to get out of our own shells,” Lesarlley added. “As a coach, I know I got out of my own comfort zone. It’s good to be part of something, and for the kids to see all of us getting involved
“This also is my way of thanking ZYEP for everything they’ve done for my son and all the other kids.”
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09).
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
