UNM Offers Elite Local Trio to Fuel Eagan Era

<!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>UNM Lady Lobos Chase Elite Local Talent as Amy Eagan Era Begins</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The New Mexico Lady Lobos wrapped up a strong 2025-26 season under former head coach Mike Bradbury, finishing 22-10 overall, 14-6 in conference play, and an impressive 12-4 at home. Now entering Year 1 of the Amy Eagan era, the program is poised for a fresh chapter in a revamped Mountain West Conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eagan becomes the seventh women's basketball head coach in UNM history, bringing a solid 329-191 career record across 17 previous seasons, most recently from Lindenwood University. She has hit the ground running by offering — and re-offering — scholarships to some of the state's brightest young stars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These offers to [player_tooltip player_id='1068188' first='Kaiyah' last='Benally'], [player_tooltip player_id='1356317' first='Abrielle' last='Pavia'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1054162' first='Tamaiah' last='Gary'] highlight a clear priority: keeping top local talent home to keep The Pit electric. While all three have received interest from other programs, none have committed or signed yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1068188' first='Kaiyah' last='Benally'] – Sandia High (Class of 2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rankings:</strong> No. 74 nationally (No. 14 PG) • No. 1 player &amp; No. 1 PG in New Mexico</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Explosive, fearless, and relentless — [player_tooltip player_id='1068188' first='Kaiyah' last='Benally'] is a true difference-maker. The 5'7” sophomore is a two-time State Champion who powered Sandia to the 5A-2 district title as a full-time starter. She delivered a dominant stat line of 17.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and a remarkable 6.5 steals per game across 27 contests, earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She combines a blazing first step, crafty handles, and sharp playmaking with tenacious defense that led the state in assists and ranked fourth in steals. Benally posted six double-doubles, scored in double figures in 26 of 27 games (including seven 20-point outings), and shot 49% from the field with 81% from the line. A two-time All-Stater with strong career numbers (11.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.1 APG, 3.9 SPG on 47% shooting through 89 games), she's the ultimate two-way spark plug.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other offers:</strong> New Mexico State, San Diego State, Utah State, North Texas, Abilene Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1356317' first='Abrielle' last='Pavia'] – Albuquerque High (Class of 2029)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rankings:</strong> Top 72 National Watchlist • No. 1 player &amp; No. 1 PG in New Mexico</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1356317' first='Abrielle' last='Pavia'] is a dynamic scoring threat who thrives in big moments. The 5'7” freshman point guard starred in Albuquerque High's 5A-5 district championship run, averaging 20.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 3.9 steals per game over 27 outings. She delivered 14 games of 20+, six 30-point explosions, 11 double-doubles, and one triple-double.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pavia shoots efficiently (44% FG, 34% from three, 79% from the line) and brings toughness on the glass. In just 54 career games, this First Team All-State talent has posted outstanding averages of 17.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.0 APG, and 3.5 SPG. Her scoring ability and winning pedigree make her a must-watch prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other offers:</strong> Air Force, Utah State, UNLV, Mount St. Mary's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1054162' first='Tamaiah' last='Gary'] – Albuquerque Prep (Class of 2029)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Rankings:</strong> Top 72 National Watchlist • No. 2 player &amp; No. 1 PF in New Mexico</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1054162' first='Tamaiah' last='Gary'] is a physical powerhouse with deep Lobo family ties. The bruising freshman forward dominated inside for Albuquerque Prep, averaging a commanding 20.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game across 35 contests. A walking double-double threat, she earned All-Grind Session First Team and All-Underclassman First Team honors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the daughter of a former UNM men's basketball player, Gary brings natural connection and pride to the program. Her size, scoring touch, and rebounding tenacity make her an ideal frontcourt piece for Eagan's system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other offers:</strong> Alabama, UCF</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>By pursuing these elite local standouts, Amy Eagan is laying a strong foundation for long-term success. Lobo fans have every reason to be pumped — a bright and loud future awaits at The Pit!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->