ZUNI, NM (June 11, 2024) — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project’s 2024 Basketball League for children ages 7-12 came to a close on Saturday, May 11. Made possible with support by Nike, Zuni Public School District, New Mexico Department of Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the eight-week league welcomed 200 children and 42 community coaches — including 20 youth coaches, ages 16-23 — this spring.
Participating in the 2024 Basketball League were 97 children in the Shiwi Division for 7- to 9-year-olds, and 103 children in the Zuni Division for 10- to 12-year-olds. Starting on Monday, March 18, the two leagues practiced twice per week at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School and Zuni Middle School, respectively, with game nights at Zuni High School on Fridays.
The season concluded with a final tournament for eight teams in the Zuni Division. According to Tyler Sice, ZYEP’s physical activity coordinator, the tournament was not originally on the schedule.
“By the middle of the season, our coaches’ encouragement and the kids’ sportsmanship convinced us to host the end-season tournament for the Zuni Division,” he says. “The 7- to 9-year-olds in the Shiwi Division ended their season with an All-Star Day on their last day of practice.
“This event highlighted unity among the teams,” he continued. “It brought them together to celebrate the season’s end with games such as knock-out, three-point contest, and King of the Court.”
The Basketball League isn’t just about the sport, however. As with all of ZYEP’s Youth Sport leagues, it gives Zuni youth opportunities to build their confidence, forge connections with positive role models, and learn how to care for their bodies through nutrition, hydration and exercise. They also learn about self-esteem, teamwork, conflict resolution, and how to support others in a positive, healthy way.
“Our 2024 basketball season was a great success,” Sice says. “Our post-program assessments showed us that 91 percent of our participants enjoyed the basketball league, 84 percent felt they have positive role models, and 84 percent feel more confident.”
Of particular interest is the increased number of participants who felt they have positive role models; 7 percent more children felt that way at the end of the season than when the league started. In addition, 86 percent felt they have friends who support them, which is a 6 percent increase over the response following the 2023 league.
The community coaches agreed that the season was a resounding success.
“This was my first year being a basketball coach, and not only did I teach, I learned things from the kids,” one coach remarked. “I realized how much of a role model I am for them, and for people in the community. It was a really good season, and I enjoyed it.”
“The kids made every single day so much fun, and a learning experience,” said another coach. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
Through its Youth Sport initiative, ZYEP connects with more than 500 youth annually. In addition to basketball, young people also are able to take advantage of seasonal leagues in soccer and flag football, as well as a new summer league in T-ball. More importantly, they have access to mentorship through ZYEP’s staff and coaches, camaraderie with teammates throughout the leagues, and powerful community spirit.
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.
