Albuquerque Public Schools
APS Athletics Celebrates Statewide Honors and Championship Success
Coaches, an athletic director and two schools earn top recognition from the New Mexico High School Coaches Association.
Albuquerque Public Schools is celebrating another successful year of athletics after an athletic director, several coaches and two schools were recognized during the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Summer Conference.
Leading the honors was Roy Sanchez of Eldorado High School, who was named the 2026 Athletic Director of the Year. Sanchez is beginning his 39th year with APS and currently serves as Eldorado's athletic director, a role he has held for 11 years, while also entering his 33rd season as the school's boys basketball coach. During his coaching career, he has led three state championship teams.
Also representing Eldorado, Evan O'Connell was named the 2026 Swim & Dive Coach of the Year. O'Connell recently completed his second year as the Eagles' swim and dive coach and also teaches social studies at Eldorado High School.
Two APS soccer coaches were also recognized with Milestone Awards for reaching significant career coaching victories.
Easy Jimenez, head boys soccer coach at La Cueva High School, received a Level 3 Milestone Award after earning his 175th career victory. Jimenez has coached for 26 years, including 14 years as an assistant coach and 12 years as head coach at La Cueva. During his tenure, he has led the Bears to two state championships and has twice been named New Mexico Coach of the Year.
Brian Weems, head boys soccer coach at Rio Grande High School, received a Level 3 Milestone Award after recording his 184th career victory. Weems is entering his 20th year in education and currently teaches math. His career has included serving as athletic director at Sandia High School and now leading the boys soccer program at Rio Grande, where he is beginning his fourth season as head coach and his 15th year overall as a head coach.
"These recognitions are a testament to the dedication, leadership and positive influence our coaches have on students both on and off the field of play,” Executive Director of Athletics and Activities Adrian Ortega said. “We are incredibly proud of Coach Sanchez, Coach O'Connell, Coach Jimenez and Coach Weems for representing APS with excellence and for the lasting impact they make in the lives of our student-athletes every day."
NMHSCA Director’s Cup
APS schools also continued to excel collectively during the 2025-2026 school year.
In the Class 5A Director's Cup standings, La Cueva High School captured first place for the fifth consecutive year, earning points through outstanding performances in boys soccer, cheer, boys golf, boys tennis and Esports. The Director's Cup recognizes schools that demonstrate excellence across athletics and activities while exemplifying sportsmanship, teamwork and successful programs throughout the school year.
Volcano Vista High School also earned statewide recognition with a third-place finish in the Class 5A Director's Cup standings.
APS congratulates all of this year's honorees and school communities for continuing to raise the standard of excellence in athletics and activities across the district.