In the middle of his high-energy presentation at Tibbetts Middle School, after inviting students and staff to run on the court, do jumping jacks, and show off their best dance moves, Jerrickson Hosteen introduced a challenge that went far beyond the gym. This challenge is meant to last throughout the rest of the school year. He asked everyone to make a commitment to give one another compliments and words of encouragement. It was a simple idea with a powerful goal: build each other up every single day.
Dressed in gear from the Phoenix Suns and carrying basketballs under his arm, Jerrickson opened up about his personal experience with bullying in high school. He shared how difficult those years were and how they shaped his belief in respect, kindness, and the importance of community. His message resonated with students and staff, reminding everyone that even tough times can lead to growth.
Originally from Sawmill, Arizona, Jerrickson has been recognized as the first Native American basketball entertainer in the world. A 2008 graduate of Window Rock High School, he discovered his talent for spinning, juggling, and handling multiple basketballs at once while still a student. What started with simple drills grew into eye-catching tricks like behind-the-back passes and ball control combinations. He turned his love for the game into a career built on creativity, practice, and commitment. Jerrickson is the son of Jefferson and Dorothy Hosteen. He is Tótsohníí, born for Kiyaa’áanii. His maternal grandfather is Tábąąhá, and his paternal grandfather is Bįįh Bitoodnii.
To date, Jerrickson has traveled across the Navajo Nation, visited numerous Native American reservations, and performed at universities and schools across the country, including students at Heights, Hermosa, and Tibbetts this week.
His journey has not been without challenges. Some performances did not go as planned. At times, he faced criticism or pushed through physical exhaustion from the demands of performing. Through it all, Jerrickson leaned on his passion, using it as the motivation to carry him forward on the toughest days.
During his visit to Tibbetts, students and staff became part of the action. Jerrickson invited volunteers to join friendly challenges featuring push-ups, ball-handling drills, and balancing basketballs.
Before the final bell, a few of our students also gathered around him, asked questions, picked up a few new tricks, and heard a little more about the journey that helped him turn hard work and determination into show-stopping skills.
Our thanks to FMS Native American Programs for making this event possible and to our educators and staff at Tibbetts for hosting such an uplifting experience for our students.
For more information about Jerrickson Hosteen, you can visit his official website at iamjerrickson.com.
With information from the Navajo Times.