A Legacy Reimagined
Matthew Chavez, a former Rio Grande baseball standout and longtime assistant, has been appointed head coach of the program, ushering in the first change in over three decades.
Chavez, who starred for the Rams from 2002 to 2005 before returning as a varsity assistant in 2014, succeeds his uncle, Orlando Griego, who retired after a 30‑year tenure that made him a fixture in the South Valley baseball community.
In addition to his coaching duties, Chavez teaches at Rio Grande High School, a dual role that he says gives him a unique perspective on developing players both on the field and in the classroom.
His vision centers on nurturing local talent and keeping South Valley kids within the program, aiming to preserve the cultural fabric that has long defined the team’s identity.
Colleagues and players alike praise the continuity and fresh energy Chavez brings, noting that his deep roots in the community promise a seamless transition while steering the program toward new heights.