UNM introduces Amy Eagan as women's basketball coach

Eagan brings a winning pedigree to the Lobos program

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:06pm

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An abstract, cubist-style painting depicting the fragmented movements and lines of a women's basketball game, with sharp geometric planes and overlapping perspectives conveying the sport's raw energy and athleticism.A cubist interpretation of the energy and dynamism of women's college basketball, reflecting the UNM program's renewed focus under new head coach Amy Eagan.Albuquerque Today

The University of New Mexico has officially named Amy Eagan as the new head coach of the women's basketball team. Eagan, a proven winner with 17 years of head coaching experience, was introduced at a press conference on Wednesday. She inherits a Lobos program that is poised to win immediately, with a talented roster and the university's commitment to investing in women's basketball.

Why it matters

The UNM women's basketball program has struggled in recent years, but the hiring of Eagan signals a new era of ambition and competitiveness. Eagan's track record of success, including six NCAA tournament appearances and six conference championships, suggests she has the experience and vision to turn the Lobos into a consistent winner.

The details

Eagan, who spent the last 17 years as a head coach, is now the 7th head coach in UNM program history. Her resume includes a Division II national runner-up trophy, and she believes the resources available at UNM will allow her to build a winning culture. UNM athletic director Ryan Berryman and senior associate AD Amy Beggin, both with basketball backgrounds, led the internal search process and determined Eagan was the ideal candidate.

  • Eagan was introduced as the new UNM women's basketball head coach on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Eagan said she immediately began FaceTime calls with players on the current UNM roster after accepting the job, with player retention being one of her top priorities.

The players

Amy Eagan

The new head coach of the UNM women's basketball team, Eagan brings a proven track record of success to the program, including six NCAA tournament appearances and six conference championships over her 17-year head coaching career.

Ryan Berryman

The UNM athletic director who led the internal search process that resulted in the hiring of Eagan, Berryman has a background in basketball and believed Eagan's winning record and community involvement made her the ideal candidate.

Amy Beggin

The UNM senior associate athletic director who, along with Berryman, conducted the internal search that led to Eagan's hiring. Beggin also has a basketball background that informed the decision to bring Eagan on board.

Laila Abdurraqib

A returning point guard for the UNM women's basketball team, Abdurraqib expressed her excitement about Eagan's emphasis on player development and her desire to see her players succeed both on and off the court.

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What they’re saying

“It was really evident that their investment in women's basketball was here. I think something that's always been really important to me is that we have the opportunity to win wherever we're at. And we have that here.”

— Amy Eagan, Head Coach, UNM Women's Basketball

“The biggest thing for them and for us is that we make sure we put them as individuals in the best position to be successful. To get the best out of their careers.”

— Amy Eagan, Head Coach, UNM Women's Basketball

“Just coming in, have somebody that cares about you. People that care about you and that want to see you succeed as a person, and, of course, on the basketball court.”

— Laila Abdurraqib, Returning Point Guard, UNM Women's Basketball

What’s next

Eagan said she is looking to add a post player to the UNM roster through the transfer portal as she continues to build the team for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The hiring of Amy Eagan as the new UNM women's basketball head coach represents a significant investment in the program's future. Eagan's proven track record of success and her emphasis on player development and community involvement suggest the Lobos are poised to become a consistent winner in the Mountain West Conference and potentially make a return to the NCAA tournament.