ENMU names next head volleyball coach

Eastern New Mexico University has named Karli Bustos its next head volleyball coach.

Athletics Director Kevin Fite made the announcement in a news release last week.

"She has head coaching experience that includes turning a program around and reaching postseason competition," Fite said in the release. "From our first conversation it was clear to me that Karli and I shared a philosophy on how to build a successful program; with high character student-athletes, a commitment to hard work, and success in the classroom and on the court."

Bustos was head coach for five seasons at Trinidad State Junior College in Trinidad, Colo.

Her record there was 63-91, but the Trojans were 23-10 in 2024 – the highest winning percentage in school history, according to the ENMU release.

TSJC qualified for the NJCAA Region IX tournament three times during Bustos' tenure.

Also from the news release:

In 2024, the Trojans led the NJCAA District IX DI-South in aces (306) and had three players named south region players of the week.

"Karli promotes a philosophy of structure and discipline that will create a culture needed to be winners on and off the floor," Fite said. "She and I expect our volleyball student-athletes to graduate and win more games. She welcomes the challenge the Lone Star Conference provides."

The Espanola native took the role in Trinidad after four seasons as an assistant coach at New Mexico Highlands. In her final two seasons at NMHU, she coached 13 all-academic Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) honorees.

"I am very excited," Bustos said. "I want to create a foundation, build a culture of champions, and bring a growth mindset to the program. I look for student-athletes who are willing to work and have good character."

Bustos succeeds Sia Poyer who had been the ENMU head volleyball coach since 2013. Poyer resigned citing health issues. He was ENMU's third-winningest coach in volleyball history with 110 victories.

The team was 5-22 a year ago.