Albuquerque Public Schools
History in the making
Volcano Vista’s boys basketball team is gunning for its fifth consecutive state title in 2025-26. But many APS schools had great years in athletics in ‘24-25.
When you’ve captured four consecutive state championships, it’s easy to assume Greg Brown’s mantra might be: Just (continue to) win, baby.
That’s not his message. Not at all.
“The winning has really been fun,” acknowledges the longtime Volcano Vista boys basketball coach. “But what we’ve been trying to work on is not taking anything for granted. It’s having humility through hard work and appreciation – appreciating opportunities in each other and being around a good team and a good program.”
Good might be the understatement of the decade. The Hawks are at dynasty level, having won four straight Class 5A boys’ basketball titles. The accomplishment ties the mark set by Hobbs from 1999-2002. In 2025-26, the Hawks will be gunning for a first-ever fifth consecutive championship.
Brown relies on basics, and says that he makes certain his teams know challenges come in all shapes and sizes. They found that out last March when they were nearly knocked off by a terrific Sandia team, coached by his brother, Danny.
Success in sports is nothing new at APS, with schools throughout the city excelling in a variety of venues. Sandia’s girls’ basketball team and the Matadors’ baseball team won state titles. La Cueva was in the championship game in football and Eldorado made the state final in baseball. And a variety of individuals, including Eldorado track and cross country star Gianna Rahmer and La Cueva track athlete Tanner Montano, are dependable in their excellence.