Belen High School gained a new, but familiar, face when it named Chris Storey the head coach for the Lady Eagles’ basketball team.
“I’m excited,” said Storey. “I’m from Belen, and the community is behind me.”
Storey played for the Eagles in high school before signing to play basketball and football at New Mexico Military Institute.
After college, he left New Mexico for a while before returning to his hometown 10 years ago.
Storey said when he came back to Belen, he didn’t know what he wanted to do. He began working for PGC Basketball, organizing basketball camps from home. This job has allowed him to work from home and coach in the area.
“I love player development,” said Storey. “I love watching players develop and maximize their growth.”
Over the last decade, he has built a strong coaching resume in basketball and football — most recently as Belen Middle School’s head football coach.
However, he’s no stranger to Lady Eagle basketball. He worked with the team for seven years and says he’s excited to get back with the program.
“Being able to come back and coach — you couldn’t ask for a better situation,” said Storey. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. Last year, our numbers were low. We’re excited to get the community excited about girls basketball again.”
Belen girls basketball finished with a 9-18 record in the 2018-19 season, and their last trip to the Pit for the state tournament was in 2015. Storey said his goal is to get back to the tournament and rebuild the program. He stressed the importance of community involvement.
“We have some great kids in the program,” said Storey. “We have so many straight-A students, and we want to showcase their talents…We’re all about building relationships with the community. We’ll be doing fundraisers and community outreach.”
With Storey at the helm, the Lady Eagles are sure to have someone passionate about the community as they strive to return to prominence in 4A basketball.
“I’m a Belen Eagle,” said Storey. “I bleed maroon and white.”
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April 19, 2024
