Magdalena boys basketball coach Jory Mirabal is a finalist for the 2024 National Coach of the Year award, which will be presented by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association on June 26.
“It is with great pleasure that the National High School Athletic Coaches Association announces the advancement of Jory Mirabal from Magdalena, New Mexico, as a finalist,” the NHSACA announced via a press release this week.
Mirabal has been no stranger to postseason accolades the past couple of years. In 2022, the New Mexico High School Coaches Association named him the New Mexico Basketball Coach of the Year, and in 2023, the National Federation of High School Coaches Association named him the New Mexico Coach of the Year.
While those are certainly big awards, the NHSACA’s National Coach of the Year award is a very selective and competitive process. Mirabal is one of eight finalists from around the country who will travel to the NHSACA’s national convention in Bismarck, ND.
Mirabal, a man of humility, often deflects attention aimed at him and redirects it to his basketball teams, showcasing his genuine dedication to his team and community.
“I don’t think it’s me. It’s reflective of the support that you get from your school, your community, and all of the kids who have supported our basketball program,” Mirabal said.
Any awards that come Mirabal’s way are not just deserved, but a testament to his exceptional coaching career. With a remarkable 93.7 percent winning percentage over the past 11 years, 11 consecutive titles, winning No. 400, and three state titles, his achievements are truly inspiring.
While he’s hung many awards on his walls and tucked numerous certificates of accomplishment into a scrapbook, Mirabal does realize some awards are more memorable than others.
“I think anytime you get recognition from your peers, it makes you feel good – that you’re making an impact, and people will recognize what you’ve done and what you’re doing. It’d be a fallacy for me to say that that’s not an honor. It’s nice to be recognized in front of your peers, for sure,” Mirabal said.
