From Mustang Greatness to DI Coaching Prowess: The Rise of Yair Banuelos
When Yair Banuelos arrived in Silver City from Mexico City, few could have predicted that he would go on to become one of the most decorated men's tennis players in Western New Mexico University history. His journey from the courts of WNMU to the elite Division I coaching level is a story of resilience, growth, and unrelenting competitive spirit - one that continues to inspire student-athletes long after his playing days.
Before joining the Mustangs, Yair played two seasons at Riverside Community College in California, where his talent and work ethic quickly set him apart. When he transferred to WNMU, it didn't take long for him to make an impact. His precision on the court, leadership with the team, and commitment to excellence helped elevate Mustang tennis to new heights. During his career, Yair established himself as one of the program's all-time greats. He earned the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Player of the Year award, First-Team All-RMAC honors in both singles and doubles, and became a consistent force in regional competition. In his senior season, he achieved a flawless 6–0 record in both singles and doubles during conference play - a feat that reflected both his skill and competitive drive. Yair was also named Senior Player of the Year for the South Central Region and was recognized as the RMAC Honor Student-Athlete of the Year for his performance on the court and his excellence in the classroom.
Beyond the numbers, Yair's presence helped define an era of Mustang tennis dominance. Under his leadership, WNMU secured multiple RMAC regular season and tournament titles, with Banuelos anchoring the lineup and setting a tone of determination that his teammates fed off. His combination of poise, intensity, and intelligence made him a natural leader, and those same qualities would later form the foundation of his coaching philosophy.
After earning his bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a coaching minor from Western New Mexico in 2011, Yair stayed in Silver City to pursue a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies, which he completed in 2013. During that time, he transitioned from player to mentor, serving as a graduate assistant before taking over as head coach of both the men's and women's tennis programs. As a young coach, Yair quickly proved that his success as a player was no coincidence. His teams continued to dominate the RMAC, capturing conference championships and producing nationally ranked players. In 2015, his leadership and success earned him RMAC Women's Coach of the Year honors - a fitting acknowledgment of the impact he had on both programs. Banuelos was honored into the WNMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018, a deserving accolade for one of the highest achieving players and coaches that Mustang Tennis has seen.
Yair's ability to build culture, motivate student-athletes, and sustain excellence eventually led him to a new challenge: leading the men's and women's tennis programs at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM). There, he carried forward the same Mustang mindset that had defined his career. Under his guidance, AUM became a consistent national contender in NCAA Division II, reaching the South Region Tournament and earning a national ranking as high as No. 14. His teams produced multiple All-Americans, All-Region honorees, and maintained strong academic standing - proof that Yair's coaching philosophy extended well beyond competition. Over several successful seasons, he compiled more than 200 career coaching victories, cementing his reputation as one of the brightest young minds in collegiate tennis.
In 2023, Yair took the next step in his journey when he joined Iowa State University as an assistant coach, helping lead the Cyclones' women's tennis program at the Division I level. His rise from international student-athlete to nationally respected coach is a testament to his dedication, adaptability, and love for the sport. As he continues to climb the collegiate coaching ranks, Yair remains deeply connected to his Mustang roots, often reflecting on the formative years he spent at Western New Mexico — where his passion was sharpened and his leadership began to bloom.
Yair Banuelos' story embodies what it means to be a Mustang: driven, resilient, and relentlessly committed to excellence. From Mexico City to Silver City, and now to the national stage, his path reflects the global reach and enduring spirit of Western New Mexico University Athletics. His journey reminds us that success is not only about victories or titles, but about the legacy you leave - and the people you inspire along the way.
Be sure to check back next week for our next WNMU Athletics alumni feature.
