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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Several hundred fans gathered at The Pit on Wednesday night for their first look at head coach Amy Eagan’s vision for the future of New Mexico women’s basketball.
The strong turnout reflected growing excitement for a team aiming to return to Mountain West Conference contention. With a new coaching staff, revamped roster, and renewed energy, optimism is building months ahead of the 2026-27 season.
While not a traditional scrimmage, the open practice offered fans an early look at a program undergoing significant change under its new head coach.
Eagan, hired in March by new athletic director Ryan Berryman after a successful tenure at Lindenwood, spent much of the hour-long session teaching and introducing the foundational principles of her system, which she believes can return the Lobos to Mountain West championship contention.
“Obviously, we put on a real practice,” Eagan said afterward. “There was a lot of teaching involved because that’s where we are as a team right now. It may not have been exactly what fans expected if they wanted to see us just play, but I really appreciate everyone who came out. We had a great crowd, and our players enjoyed it.”
The practice highlighted a significantly changed roster. Ten of UNM’s 15 players are newcomers, including four transfers from Lindenwood who followed Eagan to Albuquerque.
For many players, Wednesday was their first experience at one of the Mountain West’s most iconic basketball venues.
Sophomore guard Valerie Norwood, one of Eagan’s first transfer additions, was impressed by the fan support.
“I heard a lot about the fans here before I got to Albuquerque,” Norwood said. “To see this many people come out for an open practice in June is amazing. We were talking afterward, and there were more people here tonight than at some of the games we played. I can’t wait to experience what it will be like during the season.”
(Quote courtesy of Ken Sickenger, Albuquerque Journal)
Building a New Identity
The practice offered an early glimpse into the style of basketball Eagan plans to bring to Albuquerque.
Fans saw an aggressive defensive philosophy built around ball pressure and denial, combined with an offense that emphasizes movement, spacing, decision-making, and elements of the Princeton system.
Norwood believes the approach will be exciting for both players and fans.
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“It’s fast-paced but still very structured,” she said. “I love playing defense, so it fits my game really well. I think fans are going to enjoy watching how we play.”
Norwood and fellow Lindenwood transfers Gracie Kelsey and Gracy Wernli can use their familiarity with Eagan’s system to help teammates adjust more quickly.
Returning Lobos players face a different challenge.
Veterans Drew Jordon, Lila Abdurraqib, Kaia Foster, Leonor Piexinho, and Quintilla Hidalgo are accustomed to the expectations of playing at The Pit, but are now adapting to a new system.
Jordon, entering the final season of her collegiate career, believes the transition will ultimately bring out the best in her game.
“It’s definitely a lot of change, but I’ve been through change before,” Jordon said. “I think this style fits me really well. The coaches are encouraging me to be aggressive, use my athleticism, and play freely.”
(Quote courtesy of Ken Sickenger, Albuquerque Journal)
Leadership From Returning Players
As a veteran leader, Jordon is already helping newcomers understand what it takes to succeed in the Mountain West.
Her message has been simple.
“You can’t be weak playing here — mentally or physically,” Jordon said. “The Mountain West is a tough conference. Our fans are incredible and they support us, but they also expect us to compete and fight every night.”
Jordon is determined to make the most of her final season in Cherry and Silver.
“I’m happy to be here and around the fans,” she said. “I know the support will carry over into this season. It’s my last year, so I’m going to give everything I have.”
(Quote courtesy of Ken Sickenger, Albuquerque Journal)
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Positive Early Returns
The Lobos began summer workouts just over a week ago, making Wednesday’s practice the first step in what Eagan hopes will be a productive offseason.
Eagan has been encouraged by the team’s attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn.
Australian junior Katie Duncan recently arrived in Albuquerque, completing UNM’s roster. The only player unavailable Wednesday was Wernli, who is recovering from ACL surgery.
“I feel really good about what I’ve seen so far,” Eagan said. “There’s a lot of information being thrown at them right now, and that’s always challenging this time of year. But they’ve been very receptive to coaching and they’re doing a great job learning. The work we’re putting in now will pay dividends later.”
(Quote courtesy of Ken Sickenger, Albuquerque Journal)
THANK YOU to everyone that came out! Best fans in the country no doubt! #BosUphttps://t.co/Sl8tB8XgqZ
— Amy Eagan (@CoachAmyEagan) June 18, 2026
Looking Ahead
Although the 2026-27 season is months away, the atmosphere inside The Pit showed that excitement is already building around the program’s new direction.
Fans responded with a warm ovation after practice, signaling enthusiasm for Eagan’s arrival and the fresh start she brings to Lobo women’s basketball.
For Jordon, the message from the crowd was unmistakable.
“They’re ready,” she said. “They want to see us play. I can’t wait for the season to start and for The Pit to be full again. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
With a new coach, a largely rebuilt roster, and a clear identity emerging, Wednesday’s open practice provided an encouraging first glimpse of a promising new chapter for New Mexico women’s basketball.
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