By Joshua J Griñe
St. Pius X Announces Chris Monette as New Head Girls Basketball Coach
St. Pius X School has named Chris Monette as the new head coach of the girls basketball program, bringing decades of high-level basketball experience and player development to the Sartans.
Monette arrives at St. Pius X with more than 25 years of coaching experience spanning youth basketball, AAU, high school, junior college, Division I athletics, and professional player development. His background includes stops at the University of New Mexico, UNLV, New Mexico State University, Garden City Community College, and years leading some of New Mexico’s top grassroots basketball programs.
“We are excited to welcome Chris Monette to the St. Pius X family,” said school leadership. “Chris brings an incredible passion for developing student-athletes, building relationships, and creating a culture that aligns with the mission and values of St. Pius X. His experience at every level of basketball and commitment to mentorship made him a tremendous fit for our program.”
Monette is the founder and director of EYG Hoops (Elevate Your Game), one of Albuquerque’s premier youth basketball development programs serving boys and girls athletes throughout New Mexico. Through EYG Hoops, Monette has helped develop numerous all-state athletes, state champions, collegiate players, and professional athletes.
Prior to his work with EYG Hoops, Monette spent three seasons on the men’s basketball staff at the University of New Mexico under Steve Alford from 2008 to 2011. During that stretch, the Lobos captured back-to-back Mountain West Conference championships, achieved a school-record 30-win season, earned a Top 10 national ranking in the Associated Press poll, and made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
His coaching resume also includes work under nationally recognized coaches including Lon Kruger, Charlie Spoonhour, and Reggie Theus, while contributing to player development, recruiting, scouting, film breakdown, and basketball operations at multiple Division I programs.
“I am incredibly excited and honored for the opportunity to lead St. Pius Girls Basketball,” Monette said. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt there was something special here — not just in the basketball program, but in the people, community, and commitment to students and athletics.”
“My goal is to build a culture centered around teamwork, effort, joy, and the pride that comes with wearing the Sartan uniform,” he added. “I’m honored for the opportunity to help develop these young women both on and off the court and continue building upon the strong foundation already in place.”
Monette said his immediate focus will be centered around relationships and culture-building within the program.
“My early goals are centered around building relationships, establishing trust, and creating a strong culture,” Monette said. “I want to spend time getting to know our players and families, and create an environment where our student-athletes are excited to be part of something special.”
Monette emphasized that player development and mentorship will be at the center of the program’s identity moving forward.
“I want players and families to know that I care deeply about development both on and off the court,” Monette said. “My coaching style is built around effort, accountability, and relationships. We’re going to play hard, compete, defend, and play unselfishly, but we’re also going to have fun and support one another. I believe in a ‘next play’ mentality and helping young women grow not just as basketball players, but as teammates, leaders, students, and people.”
A former standout player at Cibola High School, Monette was an All-City and All-State selection before continuing his collegiate playing career at Lamar Community College, where he earned NJCAA Academic All-American and All-Region honors.
In addition to his basketball background, Monette holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Villanova University and is also a published author of The Next Play released in 2025.
Monette and his wife, Desiree, have three children — Mila (10), Eden (7), and Luke (4).