Analyss Benally named New Mexico True Hero for youth basketball work
Courtesy | Nicholas Harvey Photography
Analyss Benally, left, shares her story with about 40 campers, drawing on her experience as a college and international basketball player. Benally hosted a one-day camp at Bloomfield High School with help from Brian Benally, center, and Derek Weston in this 2022 file photo.
By Nolan Bruno
Special to the Times
WINDOW ROCK – From competing as a standout guard at San Jose State to playing a role in Netflix’s Rez Ball, Analyss Benally is no stranger to the pressures of the spotlight.
Most recently, she added another chapter to her basketball career by playing professionally in Croatia for ZKK Zadar Plus in the Croatian Premijer liga. But her latest accolade was not tied to points or minutes played. It came from her work with young players.
In December 2025, Benally was named one of 10 recipients of the New Mexico Magazine True Hero Award, which honors people who strive to make meaningful differences in their local communities.
To read the full article, please see the Feb. 12, 2026, edition of the Navajo Times.
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