ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – University of New Mexico women’s soccer head coach Heather Dyche has announced the hiring of Paul Maestas as the program’s new assistant coach.
“I am extremely excited to be a part of the UNM women’s soccer program,” said Maestas. “I look forward to contributing to the success and growth of these talented young women.”
Maestas brings yet another local connection to the Lobos’ women’s soccer program. Maestas joins the team after seven seasons at Albuquerque’s Eldorado HS. Maestas has coached at Eldorado HS since 2009 and was named head coach of the varsity girls’ soccer team prior to the state tournament in 2012.
Under Maestas, Eldorado HS was a girls’ soccer powerhouse in New Mexico. In just his second year with the varsity team in 2013, the Eagles were ranked second in the nation by MaxPreps and won the NMAA 5A State Soccer Tournament Championship, as well as the APS Metro Tournament Championship. His team won the 6A District 2 Championship in 2014 and was a 6A state tournament finalist this past year.
Maestas was recognized in 2013 as the 5A Soccer Coach of the Year and the NSCAA New Mexico Large School Coach of the Year.
Like head coach Dyche, Maestas has been an integral member of the youth soccer community in Albuquerque. He has served as a staff coach with the Olympic Development Program since 2012, where he has instructed many of the best players in the state of New Mexico.
Maestas previous coaching stops also include serving as the assistant coach at Albuquerque’s Manzano HS, the head coach of the Rio Soccer Club and a staff coach at Got Fit! Soccer Camps.
Maestas is a 2007 graduate of the University of New Mexico, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with TESOL Endorsement. He has received multiple licenses and certificates at the youth and high school level, including his New Mexico Youth Soccer Association E License.
