David Chiotti, a former Lobo player who spent eight seasons professionally in Europe, has taken on a new role as an assistant varsity coach for the Albuquerque Academy girls basketball program.
Chiotti's basketball journey began in the early‑to‑mid‑2000s when he wore the Lobos jersey, and his subsequent overseas career gave him a global perspective on player development.
During his five‑year stint helping Greg Brown at Volcano Vista, Chiotti contributed to a program that steadily improved, laying groundwork for future success.
A New Chapter at Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque Academy's girls basketball staff now benefits from Chiotti's blend of collegiate experience and international exposure, a combination the academy hopes will translate into stronger on‑court performance.
The hiring comes at a time when several New Mexico high schools are reshaping their baseball programs, with Las Cruces and Farmington among the communities announcing fresh leadership.
Ripple Effects in Southern New Mexico
In Las Cruces, three of the four head baseball coaches stepped down after the 2026 season, prompting the district to appoint Fermin Alvarado as the new head coach. Meanwhile, Farmington named Frank DeHoyos, a veteran who amassed nearly 200 wins at Bloomfield and captured a state championship in 2010, as its new head coach.
Michelle Ronga, executive director of athletics for Las Cruces Public Schools, indicated that an official announcement regarding Centennial's upcoming head coach will be made shortly, underscoring the district's commitment to continuity and growth.
These transitions reflect a broader trend of experienced professionals moving into leadership roles, bringing fresh strategies and a deep understanding of local sports culture to high school programs across the state.