Socorro head girls’ basketball coach Amanda Saenz is temporarily suspending her coaching career after announcing she is getting married and preparing to raise a family.

Saenz stepped into a dual role this season as the coach of the Lady Warrior soccer and basketball teams.

“Coaching basketball this year was valuable in itself. I got to meet a lot of new girls in our community and see them grow as athletes and young women. I’m proud of the seniors and wish nothing but the best for them in their future,” Saenz said.

Saenz’s tenure may have been short-term, but it included a District 3-3A title and a berth in the Class 3A girls’ state basketball tournament.

She left some words of encouragement for her younger players.

“For the underclassmen, I want them to strive to continue to want more. It’s awesome making it to state, but push even further each year. This will be my last year coaching for a little while, and I very much appreciate having had the opportunity to start my coaching career in Socorro. Thank you, Socorro,” Saenz said.

Russell Huffman, El Defensor Chieftain Asst. Editor