After his first full season as head girls basketball coach, Billy Mondragon looks forward to the future and what might come of it. Mondragon took over the Lady Dogs this last season after longtime coach Don Shell announced his retirement.
Mondragon was the boys JV-A coach the year before.
He led the Lady Dogs to a 11-15 record and an appearance in the regional playoffs against eventual state champion Kirtland Central.
All in all, it was a good season for the Lady Dogs and Mondragon.
“At the beginning of the year, things went well. Then we went through some injuries and tough times, but finished strong. I was really impressed with how the girls never gave up throughout the season. they always gave 110 percent,” said Mondragon.
Mondragon has been a varsity coach for 17 years. He started out in Des Moines, New Mexico after he received his degree in physical education from New Mexico State University. he was the head boys basketball coach at Des Moines for six years before moving to Estancia.
He coached four years there, and headed up the boys team. Mondragon then moved to Socorro for a year and to Reserve for a year after that. He coached the boys team at both schools.
Mondragon got his first year coaching with girls in Carlsbad. He stayed for four years, and led them to the state championship game twice. He also coached many players that received Division I scholarships.
Mondragon moved to Artesia in 1995. He started out as a junior high basketball coach, and slowly worked his way up.
He now heads the girls basketball team and coaches junior high track.
Mondragon has a total of 234 wins out of all the years he has been a coach. He credits his success to his family and coaching philosophy.
“I feel blessed everyday to have a great wife who does everything for me and three sons who are great kids,” he said.
“My coaching philosophy revolves around the beliefs that players are made in the offseason by playing as much as they can.
“Each player’s role on a team is important whether large or small. The coach needs to be sure the players understand their role and accept it,” said Mondragon.
“Before every game I tell my players to make sure they play hard, play together, and have fun. The winning or losing will take care of itself,” concluded Mondragon.
With this philosophy, there’s no wonder he has 234 wins. Only good things will come in the future for Mondragon.
He says Artesia is the best place to coach in the state, and with the attitude that he brings to the game, the Lady Dogs will be successful for many years to come.