A New Era for the Lobos
After a decade that yielded only three wins in the Mountain West Tournament and never a berth in the NCAA Tournament, the University of New Mexico announced that Amy Eagan would succeed Mike Bradbury as head coach of the Lobos. Bradbury’s 3‑10 record in conference play underscored the need for a fresh direction, and Eagan arrives with a 329‑191 coaching ledger from Lindenwood University, where she honed a reputation for developing talent and orchestrating steady improvement.
Eagan inherits a roster that retains four players who saw limited minutes last season: Laila Abdurraquib, who averaged 7.5 points per game; Drew Jordan, at 2.8 points; Kaia Foster; and Leonor Peixinho. Their modest contributions provide a foundation, but the team will also feel the absence of key contributors such as Destinee Hooks, who transferred to Texas Tech after posting 13.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, and Alyssa Hargrove, whose defensive prowess generated 1.6 steals per game before graduating.
The departure of Joana Magalhães, who contributed 8.7 points per game, to Santa Clara further reshapes the backcourt, opening opportunities for newcomers. Among the fresh faces, Gracie Kelsey arrives from Lindenwood, where she posted 7.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, and Keiara Curtis, who averaged 9.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in her single season at Hawaii. Both are expected to add depth and energy to the lineup.
Perhaps the most anticipated addition is Katie Duncan, a two‑season standout at Hutchinson Community College who averaged 14.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Her scoring ability and playmaking are seen as pivotal for a team that aims to climb back into competitive standing within the conference.
Eagan’s strategy, according to early reports, is to blend the steadiness of the returning players with the dynamism of the new recruits. The coaching staff believes that the mix of experience and fresh talent can translate into a more cohesive style of play, potentially restoring the Lobos’ reputation as a program on the rise.
The upcoming season will serve as a litmus test for this vision. With a schedule that includes both conference rivals and non‑conference opponents, the Lobos hope to demonstrate progress early and build momentum heading into the Mountain West Tournament. For fans, the arrival of Amy Eagan represents not just a change in leadership but a promise of renewed competitiveness.