Tackling big dreams: Highland High School’s Navajo standout shines on undefeated football team

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK – On a crisp Friday night under the stadium lights, Joseph Hoshnic, Highland High School’s formidable left tackle, stands tall among his teammates.

At 6’1” and 255 pounds, he’s hard to miss, but it’s his unique story that truly sets him apart. As the only Native American player on the Hawks’ roster, Hoshnic is fighting for more than just a win on the field.

Hoshnic roots run deep. He is Lók’aa Dine’é and born for Kinyaa’áanii. His maternal grandfather is Tábąąhá, and his paternal grandfather is Áshįįhí.

Born and raised on the Navajo reservation, Hoshnic grew up learning the values of hard work, discipline, and perseverance from his family. “I used to live with my grandma and grandpa,” Hoshnic recalls. “We would wake up early to take care of the animals. There was no complaining, just getting things done. It taught me that hard work always pays off. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.” Now, those lessons are serving him well on the football field.

This season, the Hawks are off to a strong start, remaining undefeated in their first four games, with Hoshnic playing a crucial role in protecting the quarterback and anchoring the offensive line. Last week’s victory was a testament to their dominance, as the first-team offense was able to sit out the entire second half, thanks to a 35-0 lead by halftime.

“We’re on a roll right now,” Hoshnic says with confidence. “We’ve been putting in the work” and it’s certainty showing on the field.

But the toughest test is yet to come. This week, Highland will face the Chandler Wolves, one of the top teams in the state. “They’re one of the hardest teams in our whole schedule,” Hoshnic acknowledges. “But we’re confident. We’ve been building momentum every game, and if we stick to our plan, I believe we can take them down.”

A win against Chandler would not only solidify the Hawks’ position as a powerhouse but also mark a significant step towards Hoshnic’s ultimate goal: a spot in the Open Division state championship game.

Hoshnic’s success on the field is impressive, but it’s his journey off the field that makes his story truly inspiring. Out of Highland’s 3,000-plus students, Hoshnic is one of only a handful of Native American students.

“In my classes, I’m usually the only one,” he says. “It’s different, but I’ve learned to embrace it.”

Being the only Navajo player on a 6A football team, he’s aware of the responsibility that comes with representing his community.

“Ever since I was six years old, my family and I would attend football games in the East Valley, and I would look for Native players to root for” Hoshnic says. “Those players were the ones I looked up to – they gave me confidence.”

Hoshnic recognizes the impact that positive role models have in our lives. “When I was a freshman, there was another Native player at Highland named Mason,” he remembers. “He was a senior then, and I looked up to him. Seeing someone like me play at this level made me believe that I could do it too.”

Now, Hoshnic is in that same position, serving as a role model for younger players on the reservation who dream of playing in the big leagues.

His message to them is simple but powerful: “Believe in yourself and keep working. Consistency and hard work are the keys. I’ve been playing with the same guys since freshman year, and we’ve all put in the work to get here. If I can do it, so can you.”

As the season progresses, Hoshnic’s eyes remain focused on the prize: not just personal accolades, but team success and, more importantly, the opportunity to represent his people on the biggest stage. “It would be amazing to see more native representation in these schools,” he says. “I hope to inspire native kids whether they’re on the rez or in the city and give them the confidence that they can play and succeed at the big schools.”

Whether the Hawks go all the way this season or not, one thing is clear: Hoshnic is a rising star whose story goes beyond the endzone. He’s a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength of cultural pride, and the impact one person can have on an entire community.

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