The University of New Mexico (UNM) has a rich athletic history, with numerous talented athletes having represented the institution over the years. From basketball and football to track and field, UNM has produced a plethora of exceptional athletes who have made a name for themselves in their respective sports. Here are five notable UNM athletes to know:
UNM's athletic programs have a long history of producing talented athletes who have gone on to achieve great success in their respective sports. From Olympic medalists to professional champions, UNM athletes have made a lasting impact on the world of sports.
1. Danny Granger
Danny Granger is one of the most successful basketball players to come out of UNM. A dominant force on the court, Granger led the Lobos to a Mountain West Conference championship in 2005. He was also named the conference's Player of the Year that same season. After leaving UNM, Granger went on to have a successful career in the NBA, playing for the Indiana Pacers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Early Life and High School Career
Granger was born on April 20, 1983, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He grew up in a athletic family and was encouraged to play sports from a young age. Granger attended Grace King High School in Metairie, Louisiana, where he excelled in basketball. He was named the Louisiana Mr. Basketball in 2001 and was considered one of the top high school prospects in the country.
College Career
Granger attended the University of New Mexico, where he played for the Lobos from 2001 to 2005. During his time at UNM, Granger was a dominant force on the court, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. He was named the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year in 2005 and was a two-time All-American.
2. Bob Davie
Bob Davie is a legendary football coach who had a successful stint as the head coach of the UNM Lobos. During his time at UNM, Davie led the team to a bowl game appearance and was named the Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year. He is also known for his time as the head coach at Notre Dame, where he led the Fighting Irish to a bowl game appearance.
Early Life and Coaching Career
Davie was born on September 30, 1954, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a athletic family and was encouraged to play sports from a young age. Davie attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he played football and began his coaching career. He worked his way up the coaching ranks, serving as an assistant coach at several schools before becoming the head coach at UNM.
UNM Coaching Career
Davie was hired as the head coach at UNM in 1997. During his time at the school, he led the Lobos to a bowl game appearance and was named the Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year. Davie was known for his tough, no-nonsense coaching style and his ability to motivate his players.
3. Holly Bleasdale
Holly Bleasdale is a talented pole vaulter who competed for UNM from 2010 to 2014. During her time at the school, Bleasdale won several conference championships and was named an All-American. She also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Early Life and High School Career
Bleasdale was born on November 2, 1991, in Chorley, England. She grew up in a athletic family and was encouraged to participate in sports from a young age. Bleasdale attended Park High School in Chorley, where she excelled in track and field.
College Career
Bleasdale attended the University of New Mexico, where she competed for the Lobos from 2010 to 2014. During her time at UNM, Bleasdale won several conference championships and was named an All-American. She also set several school records in the pole vault.
4. Brian Urlacher
Brian Urlacher is a legendary football player who competed for UNM from 1996 to 1999. During his time at the school, Urlacher was a dominant force on the field, leading the Lobos in tackles and interceptions. He was also named an All-American and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft.
Early Life and High School Career
Urlacher was born on May 25, 1978, in Pasco, Washington. He grew up in a athletic family and was encouraged to play sports from a young age. Urlacher attended Lovington High School in Lovington, New Mexico, where he excelled in football.
College Career
Urlacher attended the University of New Mexico, where he competed for the Lobos from 1996 to 1999. During his time at UNM, Urlacher was a dominant force on the field, leading the team in tackles and interceptions. He was also named an All-American and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft.
5. Steve Alford
Steve Alford is a talented basketball player and coach who competed for UNM from 1984 to 1987. During his time at the school, Alford was a dominant force on the court, leading the Lobos in scoring and assists. He was also named an All-American and was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the 1987 NBA Draft.
Early Life and High School Career
Alford was born on November 23, 1964, in Franklin, Indiana. He grew up in a athletic family and was encouraged to play sports from a young age. Alford attended New Castle High School in New Castle, Indiana, where he excelled in basketball.
College Career
Alford attended the University of New Mexico, where he competed for the Lobos from 1984 to 1987. During his time at UNM, Alford was a dominant force on the court, leading the team in scoring and assists. He was also named an All-American and was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the 1987 NBA Draft.
Who is the most successful UNM athlete?
+Danny Granger is considered one of the most successful UNM athletes. He was a dominant force on the court, leading the Lobos to a Mountain West Conference championship in 2005. He was also named the conference's Player of the Year that same season.
Who is the head coach of the UNM football team?
+Bob Davie is the head coach of the UNM football team. He has been coaching the Lobos since 2012 and has led the team to several bowl game appearances.
Who is the most famous UNM athlete?
+Brian Urlacher is arguably the most famous UNM athlete. He was a dominant force on the field, leading the Lobos in tackles and interceptions. He was also drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft and went on to have a successful career in the NFL.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the lives and careers of five notable UNM athletes. From basketball and football to track and field, UNM has produced a plethora of exceptional athletes who have made a lasting impact on the world of sports. Whether you're a die-hard UNM fan or just a sports enthusiast, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on these athletes in the comments section below.