Claudia Collins
Story by Londun Christensen
In a spirited initiative to connect Arizona’s Native American youth with the sport of football, the Fiesta Bowl Organization held a Legacy Youth Football Clinic on Wednesday, Nov. 6, for roughly 100 children from the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community.
Arizona State University wide receiver and Nez Perce Tribal Nation member Xavier Guillory served as the special guest coach, inspiring the youth with stories of resilience, heritage and perseverance.
Guillory, who transferred to ASU from Idaho State, shared his journey of adapting to tougher competition while embracing his roots. He proudly displays his tribal flag decal at every game. “I want people to know where I come from,” Guillory said, “not just my tribe, but the indigenous talent we have.”
While basketball is more prevalent among native athletes, Guillory grew up playing both basketball and football. However, his father nudged him toward football. “When I got to high school and the offers started coming in, I really felt like the Lord was guiding me in that direction, and being on the field just made me feel happy.”
When Guillory lost his father to cancer four years ago, the loss became a defining moment in his life. “He was my ‘why,’ he was my foundation, my faith,” Guillory shared, explaining how his father’s memory drives him to keep going, even when things get tough. “Finding a ‘why,’ that’s what you’ve got to hold onto when things get difficult.”
The event featured skill-building activities and drills led by Guillory, Fiesta Bowl representatives and Westwood High School coaches.
“Our legacy clinics are all about the experience and bringing the community together,” Kristina Chumpol, Fiesta Bowl’s chief of staff, said. “I hope that kids that come here today learn a little bit about the Fiesta Bowl and certainly know that we’re more than a couple of big college football games.”
The Fiesta Bowl’s mission for Native youth extends beyond just introducing the sport of football—it’s about creating meaningful connections with Arizona’s 22 Native American communities and celebrating the diversity within each one.
“Each of us is different, and as each of us is different, there’s something that we all have the ability to share,” Bowl board member Judy Ferreira said.
Ferreira is a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe and believes Native talent is nationwide. “Having a student-athlete like Mr. Guillory just shows the tremendous talent we have coming from our reservations and our tribal nations.”
The Fiesta Bowl’s Legacy Youth Football Clinic showcases the remarkable potential within Arizona’s Native American communities. The event empowers young athletes to pursue their dreams by fostering connections and relentlessly providing mentorship.
“Don’t be scared to go out there and play football; I know there’s not a lot of us,” Guillory said. “You’re starting to see more Native athletes in college football. Let them know that natives can ball on the gridiron, too.”
