ZUNI, N.M. (May 27, 2026) —This spring, the gymnasiums at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School, Zuni Middle School and Zuni High School filled with the sounds of bouncing basketballs, squeaking shoes and cheering families as young players built skills and confidence through the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project’s 2026 Basketball League. Running from March to mid-May, the league served 172 children ages 6-12.
Made possible with support from Nike, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the New Mexico Department of Health’s Healthy Kids Healthy Communities program, ZYEP’s annual basketball league remains one of its most popular youth programs. Beyond basketball fundamentals, the league emphasizes teamwork, mentorship, confidence-building and healthy habits.
“The overall season was a successful one,” said Tyler Sice, ZYEP’s physical activity coordinator. “From the start of the season to the end, teams showed up to practice, laugh and enjoy the sport.”
This year marked the first time ZYEP opened the league to 6-year-old participants, introducing many children to organized basketball for the first time. Forty-five youth joined the 7U Rain league for ages 6-7, while 71 played in the 10U Lightning league for ages 8-10 and 56 participated in the 12U Thunder league for ages 11-12.
“The 6-year-olds had their challenges, given that these were among their first experiences playing basketball,” Sice explained. “Many of the youth were shy at first, learning how to be comfortable with the ball. After a few games, we saw a huge jump in confidence in most of the youth. They were taking more shots and enjoying the sport.”
He said some children initially struggled with learning new skills. They worried they might not be good enough to play.
“Some were frustrated that they couldn’t dribble or shoot the ball,” Sice said. “However, with the patience of our coaches, the youth received guidance on how to overcome these frustrations, understanding that they were new to the sport.”
Forty-three community coaches ranging in age from 17 to 46 supported the children throughout the season. Practices took place twice weekly, Fridays were game days, and ZYEP incorporated a variety of wellness-focused activities to support youth both on and off the court.
One initiative was the “success log challenge,” which encouraged participants to seek support and accountability from teachers, family members and coaches. Teams that completed more than 80 percent of their logs earned a pizza party.
“This year, we had more teams complete the success log challenge than in previous years,” Sice reported.
Players also participated in a four-week water challenge, which encouraged them to stay hydrated before, during and after practices and games.
ZYEP survey data reflected strong levels of engagement and positive experiences among youth and families. Eighty-eight percent of the children said the season was fun, and 81 percent said basketball helped them feel more confident.
Parents also reported positive outcomes, with 97 percent agreeing that participation helped improve their child’s self-confidence, and 87 percent agreeing that it helped their child make new friends. Families described the season as meaningful and energizing.
“My daughter loves playing basketball and now continues to play at home,” one family member shared in a post-season survey. “Thank you for giving her this opportunity to play, and to open herself up to meeting people and making new friends.”
Several families noted the impact the league had on children who were new to the sport.
“My son enjoyed it,” one parent said. “It was his first time playing basketball. The coaches were patient and worked with him to improve his skills — from knowing nothing to becoming confident in dribbling the ball and attempting to shoot the ball.”
Others emphasized the broader value of youth sports opportunities in the community. One family noted that they were happy to drive an hour each way to participate in the league, which they all enjoy.
“ZYEP always has great activities for the youth,” another parent wrote. “Keep up the good work!”
This year’s end-of-season tournament took place May 15-16 and introduced new tournament formats for younger divisions. The Lightning league participated in a consolation tournament with a guaranteed three games, while the Thunder league competed in a double-elimination bracket.
“The tournament was a huge success,” Sice said. “Leading up to it, the youth expressed their nervousness with coaches and staff, but after the first round of games concluded, they really began to enjoy themselves.”
For many of the community coaches, the season became about far more than teaching drills or managing practices. They described building relationships with players and families over their eight weeks together, and many said they found a new sense of purpose.
“This league was definitely one to remember,” one coach reflected. “I built relationships with all my players, who all had different playing styles.”
Some coaches said the season gave them experiences they didn’t know they needed, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that developed as the weeks rolled along.
“I really enjoyed this year’s season,” one of them said. “My co-coach and I worked well together, and our kiddos were spectacular. You all rock, and I am so happy to have been a part of this year’s basketball league!”
Other coaches reflected on the opportunity to spend time with the community’s young people, and how it felt to watch them grow in the sport and as individuals.
“The season really opened my eyes to new opportunities with the kids in Zuni,” one coach said. “The kids are really great and are open to learning.”
Through its Youth Sport initiative, ZYEP serves more than 500 youth annually through its basketball, soccer, flag football and T-ball leagues. While each league focuses on physical activity and skill development, the programs also create spaces where young people can build confidence, strengthen friendships and connect with supportive mentors and role models.
“In all, youth, coaches and families came together to enjoy the sport of basketball and left with positive memories,” Sice said of this year’s basketball league. “We look forward to seeing everyone — returning players and newcomers — in our fall sports!”
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.
