Considered by many as one of, if not the most respected and successful coaches of any sport at UNM, Don Flanagan led the 
basketball team on a path to greatness. Flanagan coached 508 games as the UNM head women’s basketball coach, a record unequaled at UNM. He holds the most wins by any coach at UNM with 340 and guided the Lobos to 11 consecutive winning seasons. The achievements don’t stop there.
Throughout his time as head coach, the Lobos were invited to 10 consecutive post season tournaments, including seven trips to the NCAA tournament. He led UNM to three regular-season conference championships, six conference tournament championships (five in a row), and 11 consecutive postseason appearances. His teams won 20 games in eight consecutive years.
In 2000-01 Lobos advanced to the championship game of the WNIT. During the next season (2001-02), the Lobos finished with a record of 22-9, advancing to the NCAA tournament and playing their way to the Sweet 16. In 2008-09, UNM once again proved itself by making it to the WNIT quarterfinals.
In addition to on the court, Flanagan took great pride in his players, fans and community off the field. The Lobo season attendance for women’s basketball was consistently among the top 10 in the country. A significant number of players on the team were from the state of New Mexico. He was loyal to UNM, and although he was recruited by many “big name” schools, he stayed true to the Lobos.
Flanagan achieved many individual accomplishments to compliment his team’s success. He was named MWC coach of the year in 2004-05, and Russell Athletic WBCA Region 7 Coach of the Year 2005-2006. In 2007, Flanagan was inducted into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame where he received the Award of Distinction and named coach of the year. During the same year, Governor Bill Richardson designated Flanagan as Coach of the Year and recognized him with a “Don Flanagan Day” in the state of New Mexico. The 48th New Mexico House of Representatives even recognized Don on the floor of the Chamber.
Before becoming the UNM head coach, Flanagan proved greatness while coaching at Eldorado High School in Albuquerque. There, he compiled a phenomenal record of 401-13, a winning percentage of 97 percent over 16 years, winning 11 state championships. He was a pillar of UNM and the entire city of Albuquerque.
Upon retirement, Don finished with an overall record of 340-168, a winning percentage of 67 percent. Flanagan’s coaching success turned a moribund women’s basketball program into a nationally respected program. During his time with UNM, he filled the history books and proved exactly what it means to be a Lobo.