This year, Amy Eagan is heading into her first season as head coach of the women’s basketball team at the University of New Mexico. Eagan grew up in northeast Missouri, where she was one of five kids, and was a three-sport athlete in high school, juggling basketball, track and softball. She attended Truman State to play basketball, where she was a four-time conference standout, starting in 98 out of the 100 games she played. Eagan is the career record holder in both steals and assists, while also holding the Bulldogs’ single-game point record of 46.
After her time at Truman, she continued her basketball career and played overseas professionally in Norway, later starting her career in coaching as an assistant at her alma mater. From there, Eagan spent four years as an assistant at Quincy University before beginning her first head coaching job at St. Ambrose University. After a few more stops at several division-two colleges — including going back to Truman again for a head coaching job — Eagan secured her first division-one job as the head coach of Lindenwood, where she led them in their transition to D1.
She became the seventh coach in New Mexico women’s basketball history on April 8, following the departure of Mike Bradbury.
“Tradition and fans” are what Eagan said stood out when she chose New Mexico in the offseason. UNM’s investment in basketball, Eagan said, was another key part in her coming to the Lobos. She also added that relationships with Athletic Director Ryan Berryman and other administrators helped influence her to come to the Land of Enchantment..
Outside of coaching basketball, Eagan loves to hike, read and spend time with her family.
“I love just being outside,” Eagan said.
Since settling in Albuquerque, her favorite thing was riding the tram. Eagan also loves the weather in New Mexico and says she is “looking forward to Balloon Fiesta” as it will be her first time experiencing the event.
In her first season, Eagan is looking to make a big impact on a team that hasn’t made the NCAA tournament since the 2007-2008 season.
One of her biggest priorities is giving back to the community, with and without basketball. On the court, Eagan wants to take the Mountain West crown and get back to the NCAA tournament, but added that it will take time. As far as her players, she wants them to be great students and great people, and to encourage them to be successful now and even after their time at UNM.
Eagan had a message for Lobo fans going into her first year.
“Thank you for your support, you guys are a big part of this,” Eagan said.
Jacob Kagan is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
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