JT Keith 
Artesia Daily Press 
jtkeith@elritomedia.com 

The New Mexico High School Coaches Association has named Artesia assistant boys’ basketball coach Charlie Campbell the 2025 New Mexico Boys Assistant Basketball Coach of the Year. 

“It is an honor to get this award,” Campbell said. “I appreciate the award, but it is not just about me but all the kids who have put in the hard work and dedication.” 

Campbell was selected by the coaches association’s10-member board of directors. He was nominated for the award by Alamogordo head football coach AJ Cisco. 

Campbell said he loves working with kids and does not mind the long hours that go with the job. He works with kids from kindergarten to high school and often has former players now in college coming to the gym during the summer to work on their skills. 

“He’s not afraid to do the work,” Artesia boys’ basketball coach Michael Mondragon said of Campbell. “He builds relationships and puts the time in with the kids.” 

Campbell, 40, graduated in 2004 from Artesia High School where he played guard for the basketball Bulldogs.  After graduating, he played basketball at New Mexico Highlands University.  

Campbell has coached Artesia’s freshman basketball team, won two Border Conference titles (ninth grader conference). He has served as an assistant coach for 12 years.  

Hel teaches special education at Artesia Junior High School.  

Campbell said the award means even more to him after coaching his son, Charlie Campbell IV, a guard on Artesia’s 2025  state championship basketball team. 

“That’s an experience I don’t think anyone will ever experience unless you have a father-son tie,” Campbell said. “That (the championship) was our goal on this great journey.  All the hard work I put in with him from when he was a little kid to now, sitting in the front row and watching was awesome.” 

Campbell said he is the student-athletes’ No. 1 fan and wants to guide them and help them grow.  

“The biggest thing is community and family,” Campbell said.  “I like the family here in Artesia, and the basketball program has each other’s back 100% no matter what.” 

jtkeith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X@JTKEITH1