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Amy Beggin finished her second season as assistant coach at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Beggin helped guide the Lobos to a 17-15 record this past season as well as an appearance in the Mountain West Conference Tournament, making it to the semifinals. Beggin begins her first year in a new role at New Mexico as the director of compliance for the athletic department. |
Tell us a little about your background?
I played basketball at the University of New Mexico. When I graduated, I worked for the women's basketball team at South Dakota State University for a year. Then, I moved back to New Mexico and worked as the video coordinator for two years, the director of operations for a year, and just finished my second season as an assistant coach for the Lobos. Just last week, I moved over to take a job in our athletic compliance office.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to ride my bike, play golf, volunteer and catch up on my favorite television shows!
When did you know you wanted to be a coach?
From the time I was in high school, and worked at our summer camps, I knew I wanted to coach. I love the direct impact coaches are able to have on young kids in such a critical time in their lives.
Do you have any pregame rituals?
Eating M&M's, drinking a Sprite and lots of prayers.
What is/are the most challenging part(s) of your role?
Finding ways to motivate each and every one of our players. Finding what makes each one play to the best of their abilities.
How do you work through these challenges?
Getting to know each player, not just on the court, but off. Finding out what they like to do, how their family is doing, etc. Making sure the players know you care about them in all areas of their life.
Briefly state your coaching philosophy. What values are important to you that you try to instill in your student-athletes?
The most important values to me are a player’s effort, attitude and attention to detail. I believe that if every player plays as hard as they can, for every other member of the team and stays disciplined to what the team is trying to accomplish, then you have the making of something really special.
What is your favorite memory in your current coaching role thus far?
My favorite coaching memory was winning at Minnesota last season by 18 points. Our team played so well together and really played so hard for our senior who was from Minnesota. Our senior had a career high in points and played the game of her life. It was so neat as a coach to see the team play the way we knew they were capable of playing.
What does it mean to you to be recognized as a WBCA “Thirty Under 30” honoree?
I am thrilled to have been given this honor and extremely grateful to the WBCA for creating this award. Many mentors have helped me in my coaching journey, for which I am extremely grateful. I still have a lot to learn, but I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to coach women's basketball. I hope to influence young women not only in their basketball careers but in their lives as well.
The WBCA recognizes annually the WBCA's Thirty Under 30 recipients. This recognition was created to honor thirty of the up-and-coming women's basketball coaches age 30 and under in the sport at all levels of the game.