A New Era for Highlands Basketball
Scott Waterman, who once held the record for the most wins in Division II history at the Academy of Art University, found his career at a crossroads when the program was shuttered. Rather than retreat, he accepted a volunteer role as Special Assistant to the head coach at the University of New Mexico’s Lobos, where he spent a year immersed in a high‑level coaching environment.
During that sabbatical, Waterman absorbed strategies from the entire Lobos staff, refined his own philosophy, and forged a close working relationship with Eric Olen, the Lobos’ head coach. Olen, impressed by Waterman’s dedication, championed his candidacy for the next step in his career.
When New Mexico Highlands University announced the departure of its previous head coach and several administrators, the administration turned to Waterman, appointing him as the new leader of the men’s basketball program. The timing coincided with a broader shake‑up at the school, signaling a fresh start for the program.
Waterman, whose wife hails from El Paso and who once ran cross‑country on the Highlands campus, sees the position as more than a job — it is a chance to rebuild a community‑driven team. He describes the role as a “sabbatical year where he bet on himself,” emphasizing personal growth alongside athletic development.
In a statement, Olen expressed confidence that Waterman’s blend of analytical insight and hands‑on experience would revitalize the program. “Scott brings a winning mindset and a deep understanding of the game,” Olen said, “and I’m excited to see what he will accomplish at Highlands.”
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for New Mexico Highlands, which is eager to restore its competitive edge in the Lone Star Conference. With Waterman at the helm, the team hopes to climb back to the upper echelon of Division II basketball and reclaim the spirit that once defined the program.