Analyss Benally Talks Rez Ball and her Pro Career

Daybreak Star Radio is so excited that our own sports caster Jermaine got to sit down with pro basketball player and Rez Ball actress Analyss Benally.

Analyss has been around basketball since she was mere weeks old, and has loved it every step of the way. She was already taking the sport seriously at just four years old and knew by the sixth grade that she wanted to go pro.

Her family was always supportive of her goals and aspirations, making sure to support her in every way they could, including moving to be near her and her sister when they went off to college to stop them from getting homesick.

Though she did not grow up fully surrounded by her Diné culture, she has become more involved and connected as she has gotten older. She notes that she understands the importance of bringing what she learns back to the rez to help kids and show them they can also accomplish their dreams and goals. Analyss is proud of her culture and is continuing to learn her traditions and grow in that space.

When it comes to Rez Ball, Analyss wasn’t even in the country during the casting process. While playing pro-ball in Albania, her father sent her the casting notice and convinced her to send in a tape. Though they loved her, the film was suppose to start shooting within weeks and Analyss still had several months on her contract. Luckily, the film still had two weeks worth of shoots by the time she returned to the states, and Analyss was able to join the cast and become a member of the girls team in the movie.

Rez Ball is a movie that has given many people in the Indigenous community hope and made them excited to see themselves on screen. Analyss recalls a time while she was involved in a kids basketball camp and they watched Rez Ball with the kids. They were so excited to see themselves represented and it gave them something to look up to.

For young people who want to pursue a sport as a career, Analyss advises you to build your confidence and film yourself. Sending out reels and examples of your skills is how you can get attention and boost your chances of going further in the sport.

Put yourself out there.

You can see Analyss in Netflix’s Rez Ball, or follow her socials to keep up with her amazing career!